More bad news for Rep. Matt Gaetz of the great state of Florida.
Multiple media outlets are reporting that the Justice Department has begun looking into potential obstruction of justice connected to the ongoing investigation into the antigay lawmaker and his alleged sexual relationship with a high school girl.
CNN reports:
According to two people familiar with the matter, federal investigators’ concerns over efforts to obstruct the probe date back to at least last fall, when the examination of the Florida Republican was not yet public knowledge.
One of the people said investigators have been told about Gaetz and an associate discussing a plan to talk with Gaetz’s ex-girlfriend in October 2020 about the ongoing sex crimes investigation. Investigators have also been provided material about the alleged discussion, the person said.
According to Politico, the feds are specifically looking at a phone call Gaetz and his ex-girlfriend had with an unnamed witness in the sex trafficking investigation. They’re trying to determine whether the he pressured the person, who later ratted him out to prosecutors, to lie or give misleading testimony.
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Both Gaetz and his ex’s personal cellphones were seized by investigators back in December. It’s unclear whether the devices were ever returned to them, but he reportedly changed his number shortly thereafter.
Related: The feds have Matt Gaetz’s iPhone and friends say his ex-girlfriend is freaking out
After this latest development, a spokesman for Gaetz has issued yet another statement declaring his innocence and accusing investigators of being on a politically motivated witch hunt.
“Congressman Gaetz pursues justice, he doesn’t obstruct it,” the statement alleged. “The anonymous allegations have thus far amounted to lies, wrapped in leaks, rooted in an extortion plot by a former DOJ official. After two months, there is still not a single on-record accusation of misconduct, and now the ‘story’ is changing yet again.”
Meanwhile, Gaetz’s ex is said to be negotiating an immunity deal which she will likely sign by the end of the month.
Graham Gremore is the Features Editor and a Staff Writer at Queerty. Follow him on Twitter @grahamgremore.
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Mister P
We all agree. It would be bad to be Matt Gates
Mike Hunt
Gaetz, not Gates.
Fahd
This “witchhunt” is a marathon not a sprint; a kind of slow burn, but I’m enjoying every tidbit of incriminating news about Gaetz as it unfolds. Keep it coming.
CMarks
The best part of a “witch hunt” is the very frequent success of finding the witch being hunted. There stands to be a very good chance Gaetz will increase the number of hunt successes.
SFMike
I’ll believe this creepy right winger will be brought to justice when I see it. Republicans always find a way to wiggle out of paying for their crimes and bad behavior is one of the things that gives them fascist street cred.
Tim44309
I agree! It will be months of these little incriminating news bits, and ultimately there will be no consequences….that is what is most enraging!
Doug
I agree. The fact that this has gone on so long sounds like they’re still hunting for things to charge him with. If it were something serious they would have nailed him immediately. By the time they finally come up with something, it’s probably going to be something minor (no pun intended) that won’t result in jail time.
Den
@ Doug:
Despite the fact that political operatives were caught committing a crime during the Nixon presidency, the investigation and hearings that lead to a final impeachment and resignation took 2 years.
As the saying goes, “the wheels of justice turn slowly, but grind exceedingly fine.”
Georgeiv2
It gives me no pleasure to say it but but you are right , Do you remember how we all waited for the Mueller report ?
Bengali
Is it wrong for me to hope that if the walls close in on Gaetz that he takes the easy way out? I don’t care if it’s wrong. It’s what I hope.
cuteguy
Ppl have short memories. They need to continue to drag this story through next year during mid term elections to remind ppl how truly dangerous the GQP is.
brian6767
“Multiple media outlets are reporting that the Justice Department has begun looking into potential obstruction of justice connected to the ongoing investigation into the antigay lawmaker and his alleged sexual relationship with a high school girl”…..I’ve seen 1 other media outlet other than Queerty, (if you can call yourself a media outlet)
CMarks
A quick Google search will provide you with a number of media outlets carrying the story.
TheAbsoluteTRUTH
It works both ways are any of the liberal outlets blowing up this scandal with flip flop fauci? Of course not he’s one of them but the truth will come out. Why this 80yo multimillionaire doesn’t go away and enjoy life is beyond me. He should have been put to pasture after the Aids crisis crap in the 80’s
Dasher718
@theabsolutetruth…….
what does Dr Fauci have to do with this story of Gaetz? Your whataboutism doesn’t work here. Be gone before someone drops a house on you.
Den
Ah! once again TheAbsoluteTruth demonstrates he does not get the difference between reality and his imagination, nor does he understand what science, epidemiology or public health are or how they work.
Nor, seemingly, does he understand the stupidity of calling oneself “TheAbsoluteTruth” when he is not even aware of what the words mean!
And as a couple of questions to him: in what way, exactly is Fauci’s updating of recommendations and information at all related to inappropriate sexual activity and lying about it? And in what way exactly is a world renowned scientist’s dedication to his field a thing for him to be ashamed of? His achievements certainly seem to trigger you!
Joseph1971
I live in Florida, and I can’t wait for the Feds to take that homophobic, womanizer, sex trafficker down. I hope they don’t just give him a slap on the wrist but rather make it known that flying a 17 year old girl to the Bahamas for sex is illegal.
Mundo
Good idea!
SteveM
If Gaetz is put in jail, I hope some big, bald-headed dudes make him their plaything and ram him but good.
Mike Hunt
I want to know what happened to Nestor. He seems to have completely disappeared. Poor little Nestor!
garbone100
Yes! Nestor Baby Boy, Speak up for Daddy!
C_Alan
I know TMI but I love Mike Hunt.
kaBam!
Andy
Hmmmm this is turning into Gaetzgate.
GayEGO
Oh my! A lying Republican who supports Trump is being investigated for being naughty! Convict and jail Matt Gaetz, he is a waste of time for Americans.
Inspector 57
NOT to excuse Gaetz, but I honestly find it hard to believe that in the redneck state of Florida a 17-year-old is considered to be a “minor.” I would have guessed that the age of consent down there would be something like 14-years-old.