The New York Times is reporting that a hacker has stolen a confidential file related to allegations against Matt Gaetz, former congressman and President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general.
The stolen file includes 24 pieces of evidence, such as sworn testimony from a woman who says she had sex with Gaetz in 2017 when she was 17. Another woman also provided testimony saying she witnessed the incident.
How the Hack Happened
According to the Times, the file was shared in a secure link among lawyers involved in a civil lawsuit. It was downloaded on Monday by someone using the fake name “Altam Beezley.” When a lawyer emailed the person, an automatic reply said the email address did not exist.
The hacker has not contacted anyone about the stolen documents, and it’s unclear why the file was taken. So far, the documents have not been made public.
What Was in the File
The New York Times reports that the file includes:
- Evidence sealed by the Justice Department and the House Ethics Committee.
- Testimony from Christopher Dorworth, a former Gaetz ally, and others who say they attended the same events.
- Security logs showing who entered Dorworth’s property on the night of the alleged incident.
The documents are said to include unredacted personal details of witnesses, but the Times says they seem more damaging to Gaetz than to his accusers.
Background on the Case
The allegations against Gaetz first came to light when Joel Greenberg, a former associate, pleaded guilty to sex trafficking and other crimes. Dorworth, a Florida businessman, later sued Greenberg and the woman accusing Gaetz, claiming they defamed him by saying he hosted parties involving drugs and sexual misconduct.
Lawyers for Greenberg and the woman gathered evidence to defend against Dorworth’s lawsuit, which included the 24 exhibits that were stolen.
Ethics Committee and Legal Fallout
The House Ethics Committee, which looked into the allegations against Gaetz, is set to decide soon whether to release its findings. However, the stolen file reportedly came from the separate civil lawsuit, not the committee’s investigation.
What Happens Next
The New York Times says the hacker’s motive is still unclear, and it’s unknown how the stolen information will be used. This raises concerns about the exposure of personal details and the impact on ongoing legal cases.
Gaetz has repeatedly denied the allegations. His legal team has called them false and politically motivated. As Gaetz prepares to take a leading role in Trump’s administration, these accusations and the theft of sensitive materials are drawing even more attention.