Rep. Matt Gaetz's communications director has left the office of the Florida Republican amid a federal criminal probe into whether the congressman paid women for sex.
Luke Ball, the former spokesman for the congressman, parted ways with Gaetz this week just as more reporting revealed Gaetz's alleged involvement with women who were recruited online for sex.
"The Office of Congressman Matt Gaetz and Luke Ball have agreed that it would be best to part ways," Gaetz's office said in a statement to Fox News. "We thank him for his time in our office, and we wish him the best moving forward."
Ball did not immediately respond to Fox News' request for comment on whether he resigned out of principle, as was suggested by another news outlet.
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Gaetz, a one-time rising star in the GOP and outspoken ally for former President Donald Trump, has denied the allegations of sexual misconduct and for paying for sex.
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The New York Times reported Friday that the investigation into Gaetz is tied to a probe of an indicted Florida politician named Joel Greenberg and focuses on their alleged involvement with multiple women who were recruited online for sex and received cash payments.
Greenberg is a former tax collector in Seminole County, Fla., who was indicted last year on a federal sex trafficking charge. Greenberg allegedly met the women through websites that connect people who go on dates in exchange for gifts, fine dining, travel and allowances, The Times reported. Gaetz met the women through Greenberg and allegedly had sex with them, the newspaper reported.
MATT GAETZ UNDER DOJ INVESTIGATION RELATED TO POSSIBLE RELATIONSHIP WITH 17-YEAR-OLD GIRL: REPORT
In addition to payments to the women through the mobile payment service Cash App, the Justice Department (DOJ) is also investigating whether Gaetz had sex with a 17-year-old minor and whether she received anything of material value in return, sources familiar with the investigation told The Times.
"Matt Gaetz has never paid for sex," Gaetz's office said in a statement to newspaper. "Matt Gaetz refutes all the disgusting allegations completely. Matt Gaetz has never ever been on any such websites whatsoever. Matt Gaetz cherishes the relationships in his past and looks forward to marrying the love of his life."
In an interview with Fox News' Tucker Carlson this week, Gaetz denied any allegations of wrongdoing and claimed that he was the target of an extortion attempt.
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Gaetz told Carlson that his family had notified the FBI about the alleged extortion, naming former federal prosecutor David McGee as being behind it. Gaetz said his father had worn a wire during a meeting as part of an investigation of the extortion claim, and that he believes The Times story had been leaked in order to thwart that investigation.
Fox News' Ronn Blitzer contributed to this report.
SubrosaFlorens on April 2nd, 2021 at 21:00 UTC »
Every accusation the GOP makes is a projection of what they are doing themselves.
Almostsuicide1234 on April 2nd, 2021 at 20:52 UTC »
The GOP is rife with low intelligence, low creativity fucks, so it makes sense that such an obvious tactic- projection- is their first line of defense. "You doth protest too much"- Gaetz, Craig, Falwell Jr, Lindsey, on and on and on forever, and i guaren-fucking-TEE Qanon is absolutely riddled with diddlers. Its so unreal.
thefatjewrox on April 2nd, 2021 at 20:25 UTC »
Qanon supporters who vote overwhelmingly republican have been saying that the Democratic leadership are children loving pedos...Republican congressman gets busted for said behavior....face please meet with leopard 🐆...she be hungry
Edit: Ok so this post blew up...my first time ever yay!!!!!....I would be remiss not to use this massive visibility to promote mental health and self care during this pandemic.
Here are the list of 5 things that I check in on my patients with during every session (yes even patients I see weekly) to see how they are doing in these categories.
Sleep Nutrition Exercise Mindfulness Supportive/Nurturing RelationshipsNote: am clinical health psychologist who work with a tonnnnn of ADHD kids (takes one to know one) and loves Rocket league (what a save!!)
If I had to give one piece of advice to every person on the planet it would be...take a 20 minute walk with a friend every day and talk about your problems...I guarantee that you will live longer (talking decades...data is there.. legit), make more money (seriously) and live a more full filled life.