More bad news for Representative Matt Gaetz from the great state of Florida.
Several media outlets report that the Justice Department has started to investigate a possible obstruction of justice related to the ongoing investigation into the anti-Gay lawmaker and his alleged sexual relationship with a high school student.
CNN reports:
According to two people familiar with the matter, federal investigators’ concerns about efforts to obstruct the investigation date back to at least last fall, when the Florida Republican’s questioning was not yet public knowledge.
One of the people said investigators were told Gaetz and an associate were discussing a plan to speak with Gaetz’s ex-girlfriend in October 2020 about the ongoing sex crimes investigation. Investigators also received documents about the alleged discussion, the person said.
According to Politico, the federal government is specifically examining a phone call Gaetz and his ex-girlfriend had with an anonymous witness as part of the sex trafficking investigation. They are trying to determine if he pressured the person, who then reported him to prosecutors, to lie or give deceptive testimony.
Gaetz and his ex’s personal cellphones were seized by investigators in December. It is not known if the devices have already been returned to them, but it would have changed numbers shortly after.
Related: Feds Have Matt Gaetz’s iPhone, Friends Say His Ex-Girlfriend Is Panicking
After this latest development, a Gaetz spokesperson released another statement declaring his innocence and accusing investigators of engaging in a politically motivated witch hunt.
“Congressman Gaetz is pursuing justice, he is not obstructing it,” the statement said. “The anonymous allegations have so far consisted of lies, shrouded in leaks, rooted in an extortion plot by a former DOJ official. After two months, there is still not a single charge of misconduct recorded, and now the “story” is changing yet again. “
Meanwhile, Gaetz’s ex is said to be negotiating an immunity deal that she will likely sign by the end of the month.
Graham Gremore is editor and editor at Queerty. Follow him on Twitter @grahamgremore.
