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Matthew Louis Gaetz II
Former Attorney General Nominee
Former Congressman, Trump Ally
Overview
Matthew Louis Gaetz II is a former Florida congressman investigated by the DOJ for alleged sex trafficking of a 17-year-old. His associate Joel Greenberg pleaded guilty to sex trafficking and cooperated with investigators. Trump nominated him for Attorney General in 2024 but he withdrew amid scandal. Venmo payments and witness testimony were central to the investigation.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
DOJ sex trafficking investigation (no charges)
House Ethics investigation into sexual misconduct
Alleged sex with 17-year-old
Allegations of paying for sex
Drug use allegations
Showed colleagues nude photos of women
Joel Greenberg cooperated with investigators
AG nomination withdrawn due to scandal
Related Investigations (1)
Criminal Charges & Violations
8 documented violations
18 U.S.C. § 1591Potential Sex Trafficking; DOJ investigated allegations of sex with 17-year-old (declined to prosecute)(Potential Federal)
18 U.S.C. § 2422(b)Potential Coercion and Enticement of Minor; Allegations of paying for sex with 17-year-old(Potential Federal)
Florida Stat. § 794.05Potential Unlawful Sexual Activity with Minor; Alleged sexual contact with 17-year-old(Potential State)
18 U.S.C. § 2252Potential Sexual Exploitation; Allegations of showing nude photos of women to colleagues without consent(Potential Federal)
21 U.S.C. § 841Potential Drug Distribution; Allegations of providing drugs to women in exchange for sex(Potential Federal)
18 U.S.C. § 1952Potential Interstate Travel for Prostitution; Alleged travel across state lines for sexual activity(Potential Federal)
House Ethics RulesMultiple Violations; Sexual misconduct, drug use, showing explicit images in workplace (House Ethics report suppressed)(Ethics)
Florida Stat. § 796.07Potential Prostitution; Allegations of paying for sex with adult women(Potential State)
Known Associates & Connections
Donald Trump
AG nominee, loyal ally
Joel Greenberg
Close friend, convicted sex trafficker
Roger Stone
Political ally
Sources & Documentation
2 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Born
- May 7, 1982
- Birthplace
- Hollywood, Florida
Education
- •J.D., William & Mary Law School (2007)
- •B.S., Florida State University (2003)
Key Timeline
2017
Elected to Congress
2020
Joel Greenberg arrested for sex trafficking
2021
DOJ investigation revealed
2021
Greenberg pleads guilty, cooperates
2023
DOJ declines prosecution
2024
November: AG nominee, withdraws
2024
Resigns from Congress