An article summarized by the Miami Herald:
Two women have filed a federal civil lawsuit accusing former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg, and former Florida state lawmaker Christopher Dorworth of participating in an alleged sex trafficking scheme involving young women, drugs, and interstate travel. Filed in Florida on Monday, the complaint alleges that the incidents occurred between 2017 and January 2019, with Greenberg recruiting women through a website and introducing them to a network of men for paid sexual encounters. The plaintiffs, who were 20 and 22 when they met Gaetz, allege they received thousands of dollars from him and were exploited while financially vulnerable.
The lawsuit also alleges that the defendants supplied drugs, arranged travel to destinations including Miami, Las Vegas, the Florida Keys and New York City, and attempted to conceal their involvement. One plaintiff claims she witnessed Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old girl. The allegations build on a House Ethics Committee investigation that found substantial evidence of potential misconduct by Gaetz, including paying for sex with a minor, illegal drug use, accepting improper gifts and obstructing the investigation. Greenberg previously pleaded guilty to multiple federal crimes, including sex trafficking of a minor, and is serving an 11-year prison sentence.
Gaetz has denied the allegations, calling parts of the lawsuit false and arguing that it relies heavily on the congressional investigation, which he said did not allow him to confront his accusers. He said he welcomes the opportunity to question the plaintiffs during depositions. The scandal previously derailed his nomination by President Donald Trump for U.S. attorney general and preceded his resignation from Congress in 2024. Gaetz, now a media personality, has since returned to public service through an appointment to the Triumph Gulf Coast Board. The civil lawsuit presents allegations that will need to be tested through the legal process; its filing does not establish that the claims are true.
