Matt Gaetz Indictment Speculation Grows After Ex-Girlfriend Granted Immunity

Speculation is growing on social media that Representative Matt Gaetz could soon face charges after an ex-girlfriend was granted immunity last week before she testified in front of a grand jury in Orlando, Florida, as part of an ongoing investigation in the Republican congressman.

The woman, who hasn't been named in media reports, could potentially be a key witness in the investigation probing allegations that Gaetz violated sex-trafficking laws and may have obstructed justice.

Gaetz hasn't been charged with any crime and has previously denied all wrongdoing. The Republican, who represents Florida's 1st congressional district, has said he has never paid for sex or had sex with an underage girl.

CBS News reported on Monday that the unnamed ex-girlfriend may have traveled with Gaetz to the Bahamas in late 2018 or early 2019 along with two other women, citing "multiple sources."

One of those women was allegedly in a sexual relationship with Gaetz and 18 at the time of the trip, but prosecutors are probing whether that sexual relationship began when she was 17.

Investigators are seeking to determine if any of the women were paid for sex or illegally trafficked across state or international borders for the purpose of sex.

CBS News also reported that the woman who has been granted immunity may have been party to a phone call with Gaetz and another woman who is being investigated in relation to allegations of obstruction.

Last week, Isabelle Kirshner, a Gaetz attorney, told the network in a statement: "We have seen no credible basis for a charge against Congressman Gaetz. We remain steadfast in our commitment to challenge any allegations with the facts and law."

Though it is not known what Gaetz's ex-girlfriend told the grand jury last week, there has been significant speculation on Twitter that the Republican could soon be facing an indictment.

Katie S. Phang, an NBC and MSNBC legal contributor, tweeted: "Remember: it only takes 12 members of a grand jury to issue an indictment..." and shared the CBS News article about Gaetz.

"Matt Gaetz isn't going to sleep a wink tonight," wrote Jon Cooper, a former Long Island campaign chair for former President Barack Obama.

Cooper also tweeted: "Raise your hand if you'll be THRILLED to see Matt Gaetz CONVICTED!"

Lincoln Project co-founder Rick Wilson retweeted a report about Gaetz' ex-girlfriend being granted immunity and commented: "Not for nothing, I'm guessing..."

"Ask not for whom the clock ticks; the clock ticks for you," wrote former FBI Assistant Director Frank Figliuzzi, sharing the CBS News article.

Comedian Titus joked: "If one of my friends said 'Bro, they asked me about you, I had to get Immunity from prosecution' I would be on a JetSki to Australia, Good Luck @mattgaetz."

Newsweek has asked Matt Gaetz's office for comment.