Would it surprise you to learn the accusations against Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) that he sexually trafficked an underage girl have a lot in common with the late convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, who died in federal custody back in 2019?
Former federal prosecutor Shan Wu spelled out that connection Saturday during an appearance on CNN, noting that federal authorities don’t want to see another high-profile figure escape justice for his possible crimes:
“I think one important context is the Epstein case. Because the Justice Department has messed this up once before, letting a sex trafficker go with just a slap on the wrist. They’re not going to let that happen again.
“This is a different environment than it was before. The testimony of any of these complainants, particularly the underaged minor, will be devastating. This is a new time. We care about victims, and this is a problem for Gaetz.”
Oddly enough, Gaetz was one of the few public officials upset when the Epstein case was reopened in 2019, eventually resulting with Epstein being charged by federal prosecutors for allegedly engaging in sexual relations with underage girls. Specifically, Gaetz said he feared such actions by the Department of Justice (DOJ) would set a “dangerous’ precedent for prosecutors.”
At the moment, Gaetz is facing prosecution for numerous felonies, including sexual trafficking, which could result in him being sentenced to life in prison.
Things got even worse for Gaetz when an attorney for co-conspirator Joel Greenberg confirmed that his client was cooperating with the DOJ and had accepted a plea deal from federal prosecutors who are also pursuing Gaetz.
There’s another connection between Gatez and Epstein: Both were longtime friends of failed, one-term former President Donald Trump, who was once accused of “repeatedly raping” a 13-year-old girl with the late sex offender. Trump also spoke glowingly about Epstein, just as he has about Gaetz, whom he lavished with praise while he was still in the White House.
Since the accusations against Gaetz have come to light, however, Trump has been mostly silent on the Florida congressman’s legal plight, perhaps showing that even a man as depraved as the former president doesn’t want to risk defending someone suspected of such a heinous crime.
Here’s Shan Wu courtesy of CNN:
