Rep. Matt Gaetz's ex-girlfriend testified before grand jury in federal sex-trafficking investigation

[crickets]

https://www.businessinsider.com/matt-gaetz-ex-girlfriend-testified-grand-jury-sex-trafficking-investigation-2022-1

According to the report, Gaetz's ex, whose name was withheld to protect her privacy, has been talking to federal prosecutors for months about a possible deal to testify in exchange for immunity.

NBC also said prosecutors are investigating if three separate crimes: if he sex-trafficked the 17-year-old; if he violated the Mann Act, which prohibits the transportation of "any woman or girl for the purpose of prostitution or debauchery, or for any other immoral purpose" across state lines; and if he obstructed justice.

With respect to the last crime, investigators are said to be scrutinizing a three-way call after the investigation started between Gaetz, his ex, and another woman who was cooperating with federal authorities and who was reportedly recording the phone call. NBC reported that authorities suspect Gaetz of obstructing justice during that conversation, which took place last April, but he's denied the allegation.

Wednesday's development marks another phase in the Justice Department's wide-ranging sex crimes probe into the Florida Republican. The existence of the investigation first became public last March, when The New York Times reported that investigators were examining if Gaetz had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old in 2019 and paid for her to travel with him.

See also: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/matt-gaetz-s-ex-girlfriend-testifies-grand-jury-sex-trafficking-n1287352

[LetMyPeopleVote]

1. There is no way this is good news for Gaetz

Link to tweet

[crickets]

4. Ooo- "a former Capitol Hill staffer"

That juicy tidbit was not included in the other two articles. Thanks, LetMyPeopleVote!

Link from tweet:
https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/12/politics/matt-gaetz-grand-jury/index.html

The woman, a former Capitol Hill staffer, has been linked to Gaetz as far back as the summer of 2017. Investigators are interested in that period of time because that is when the congressman is accused of having sexual contact with another woman, who was 17 years old at the time.

The ex-girlfriend also could be integral for authorities investigating potential obstruction of justice as the probe into Gaetz's conduct heated up. CNN has reported that investigators are aware of a discussion that Gaetz and an associate had about talking to her in October 2020.

Multiple people familiar with the matter have told CNN that a grand jury -- a group of laymen who hears evidence presented by prosecutors behind closed doors about a potential crime -- has been meeting at the George C. Young Federal Annex Courthouse regarding the Gaetz investigation.

[Kingofalldems]

5. Interesting.

[BeckyDem]

2. Interesting developments.

K&R

[Kingofalldems]

3. Kick for the Gaetz-will-skate crew.

[malaise]

6. Lock him up

Good news - rec

[malaise]

7. Lock him up

Good news - rec

[UTUSN]

8. K&R

[joshcryer]

9. This is going to be a slam dunk.

That phone call is going to be so revealing. The phone call might confirm he took the girl across state lines through his own admission. The ex will be a character witness to his debauchery.