Federal lawsuit accuses Matt Gaetz, 2 others of sex trafficking

Two unidentified women in their early 20s have filed a lawsuit against former Florida Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz and two others, alleging a sex trafficking scheme orchestrated during his time in Congress. The 38-page complaint, filed in Orlando, accuses Gaetz and former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg of "coordinating the recruitment, payments, drugs and travel to obtain commercial sex acts from young women."

The lawsuit also names Chris Dorworth, a former Florida legislator, due to a party at his home where the alleged activities allegedly took place. Greenberg, who pleaded guilty to underage sex trafficking and wire fraud, is currently serving an 11-year federal sentence. The women claim that Gaetz and Greenberg used their positions of power to exploit the financial vulnerability of the plaintiffs, promising to resolve their financial needs in exchange for sexual acts.

Jane Doe 2 was reportedly paid less than promised, and the lawsuit alleges that the defendants caused her significant financial harm. The women's attorney, Stencer Kuvin, stated that the federal statute of limitations for sex trafficking cases could potentially run out next year based on the allegations. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing and vowed to contest the allegations vigorously, stating that the lawsuit "relied almost exclusively on a Congressional committee report that didn't allow me to confront my accusers."