In a significant development, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) has dismissed a complaint lodged against Republican Representative Matt Gaetz over false sex trafficking allegations. The decision provides some relief to the pro-Trump congressman, who had been under intense scrutiny by the far-left wing of the Democrat party.
Cris Dosev, a Republican who has twice challenged Gaetz for his congressional seat, had claimed the Georgia rep. wrongfully used campaign contributions to cover legal expenses related to a 2020 Justice Department investigation of the sex trafficking allegations.
The FEC reportedly voted unanimously in August to ditch Dosev’s complaint, after staff lawyers concluded that all of the available evidence showed that the sum of $200,00 paid to attorneys by the campaign benefited the campaign, and not Gaetz personally.
Exonerated. Again. 5-0 vote. https://t.co/eGxhGYnreU
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) September 14, 2023
Gaetz, a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, had been investigated by the Justice Department over allegations that he had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old and paid for her travel, as reported by The New York Times. However, that probe was canned in February due to a complete absence of evidence against Gaetz.
In response to the allegations, Gaetz has consistently maintained his innocence. “I have not done anything improper or wrong,” he declared. This statement was seemingly validated when prosecutors recommended against pressing charges, as reported by CNBC.
The dismissal of the complaint by the FEC is a crucial turning point in this saga. It marks a significant development in a case that had consumed much of the Central Florida political scene and gained national attention, as noted by ABC News.
