### Gaetz Faces Renewed Scrutiny as Ethics Committee Mulls Release of Final Report

A woman who claims she had sexual encounters with former Rep. Matt Gaetz when she was a minor has testified before the House Ethics Committee, recounting two incidents with him at a 2017 party. Sources close to the testimony informed CNN that one of these encounters also involved another adult woman, marking a new allegation.

The woman, who was 17 at the time, also detailed these incidents in a civil deposition linked to a related lawsuit. Following inquiries for comments on the story, Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration for the position of Attorney General under President-elect Donald Trump. Gaetz has consistently denied any misconduct involving a minor, and the Justice Department's previous inquiry did not result in charges.

The Ethics Committee's investigation remains a subject of contention. A vote took place recently, with members of the Republican-led panel deciding not to disclose their findings immediately. Instead, they plan to reconvene on December 5 to vote on the final report. Mounting pressure from various quarters continues to urge for greater transparency and the report's immediate release.

Contrary to the allegations, the other adult woman involved in the second alleged encounter has denied any such participation, according to her testimony before the Ethics Committee. The Justice Department ultimately recommended not to prosecute Gaetz, closing their investigation last year. However, this did not halt the ethics probe within Congress, which resumed upon the DOJ's conclusion.

As part of a related civil dispute in federal court in Florida, additional allegations have emerged. Descriptions from depositions reveal that the minors' claims included an episode where she had sex with Gaetz at a party, allegedly involving an air hockey table and a homeowner witness.

The attorney representing the woman who was a minor at the time has called for an immediate release of the ethics report, emphasizing her status as a high school student during the incidents and pointing out the presence of witnesses. Joel Leppard, an attorney for two other women who were witnesses in the Ethics investigation, stated that one of his clients saw Gaetz engaging in sexual activity with a minor and that the congressman may not have known she was underage at the time. Both of Leppard's clients have confirmed that Gaetz paid money for "sexual favors."

Leppard has echoed the call for transparency, urging the committee to make their findings public. "Democracy demands transparency. Release the Gaetz Ethics report," he insisted, highlighting the necessity for openness and accountability in addressing the serious allegations.