DOJ Chooses Not To Charge Matt Gaetz In Sex-Trafficking Investigation

The Justice Department (DOJ) has formally decided not to charge Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) in a sex-trafficking investigation.

“The Department of Justice has confirmed to Congressman Gaetz’s attorneys that their investigation has concluded and that he will not be charged with any crimes,” Gaetz’s office told The Daily Wire on Wednesday.

CNN first reported that DOJ officials informed witnesses of the decision by DOJ leadership.

Investigators were looking into whether Gaetz had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl and paid for her travels with him, per CNBC.

Gaetz has long denied any wrongdoing, claiming he never paid for sex. The congressman also said he only had sex with a 17-year-old when he was 17, The Washington Post reported.

Prosecutors recommended against charges back in the fall because two key witnesses had questionable credibility.

One of the witnesses was a female with whom Gaetz was allegedly involved when she was 17. Joel Greenberg, a former tax collector in Seminole County, Florida, and a friend of Gaetz was identified as the second witness.

Greenberg pleaded guilty to charges of underage sex trafficking, wire fraud, stalking, identity theft, producing a fake ID card, and conspiring to defraud the U.S. government. A Florida judge sentenced Greenberg to 11 years in prison last December after Greenberg cooperated with the Justice Department’s investigation.