Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Republican of Florida, listens during a news conference at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, December 7, 2021.
J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press
Prosecutors are recommending against charging Gaetz with sex trafficking, The Washington Post reported.
They have concerns about the credibility of two witnesses.
Gaetz has denied wrongdoing.
Prosecutors are recommending against charging Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida in connection with a sex-trafficking investigation, according to a report from The Washington Post.
Citing anonymous sources, the Post reported that prosecutors were concerned with the credibility of two witnesses, and believed that a charge would be unlikely to result in a conviction.
The Justice Department was investigating whether Gaetz had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl and paid her to travel with him.
Gaetz has denied wrongdoing. He said in March 2021 that the accusations were part of an “organized criminal extortion” scheme and a Florida businessman named Stephen M. Alford was sentenced to more than five years in prison for his attempt to defraud the congressman’s father, Don Gaetz, out of $25 million.
A federal grand jury in Orlando earlier this year heard testimony from Gaetz’s former girlfriend as well as his associates.
Justice Department officials typically take the advice of prosecutors, but haven’t made a final decision on the matter yet, the Post reported.