A second naughty Matt Gaetz encounter with a 17-year-old was reported moments before he backed out of his AG nom

Matt Gaetz’s abrupt resignation from Congress on Wednesday, November 20, has drawn widespread attention and scrutiny. While stepping down may shield him from the immediate fallout of the House Ethics Committee’s investigation, it hasn’t erased the cloud of allegations surrounding him.

For years, Gaetz, a Republican representative from Florida and a polarizing figure on the far right, has faced accusations ranging from sexual misconduct to bribery, drug use, and misuse of campaign funds. The most severe of these involves allegations that Gaetz engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl, potentially violating federal sex trafficking laws by paying for her travel.

Though the Department of Justice (DoJ) investigated these claims, it declined to press charges last year. Despite this, a separate inquiry by the House Ethics Committee continued to examine Gaetz’s alleged misconduct, including claims of sharing inappropriate images on the House floor and other unethical behaviors.

CNN reported on Thursday, November 21, that a second sexual offense involving the same underage girl has now come to light. The woman, who testified against Gaetz, reportedly revealed a second incident of sexual misconduct, adding to the severity of the allegations. This revelation appears to have been a catalyst for Gaetz’s decision to resign, effectively halting the Ethics Committee’s jurisdiction over his case.

Joel Leppard, an attorney for two other women who testified in the investigation, has called for the Ethics Committee to release its report publicly. Leppard emphasized that one of his clients witnessed Gaetz engaging in sexual activity with a minor. Similarly, the attorney representing the woman who was a minor at the time of the alleged incidents demanded immediate transparency, noting the presence of witnesses who corroborate her account.

Gaetz’s resignation was met with relief rather than resistance from many within his party. Representative Max Miller, a Republican from Ohio, revealed that his colleagues were eager for Gaetz’s departure. “Most people in there are giddy about it. Get him out of here,” Miller said, highlighting a lack of support for Gaetz even among his GOP peers.

Gaetz’s controversial tenure and his loyalty to Donald Trump had once made him a prominent figure in Republican circles. However, as more allegations surface, even his allies seem ready to move on.

As Gaetz steps away from public office, the Ethics Committee faces pressure to release its findings. Critics argue that the public has a right to know the full extent of the allegations and evidence gathered during the investigation. Advocates for transparency believe the report could be vital in holding powerful figures accountable and ensuring such alleged misconduct is not swept under the rug.

While Gaetz’s resignation has temporarily paused formal proceedings, it has only fueled public demand for answers and accountability. The allegations against him continue to cast a long shadow, leaving a trail of unanswered questions and unresolved concerns.