Ethics investigation into Matt Gaetz allegations hits a snag as DOJ refuses to cooperate

[Mr. Evil]

Source: https://www.rawstory.com/matt-gaetz-doj-stonewalling/#comments_section_start

The House Ethics Committee probe into Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has hit a snag, reported The Daily Beast: the Department of Justice isn't cooperating.

"The DOJ is 'stonewalling' the committee and refusing to turn over relevant information about its own sprawling criminal probe into Gaetz, frustrating the pace of the congressional investigation and leading the committee to seriously consider issuing subpoenas to the feds, according to two sources familiar with the matter," reported Reese Gorman and Roger Sollenberger. "Currently, the committee has authorized multiple subpoenas to the DOJ for the information but has not served them yet, according to one source. Another source added that it is unusual for the DOJ to push back against the committee to this extent, especially when the relevant investigation isn’t active."

The criminal investigation looked into allegations that Gaetz, a far-right lawmaker loyal to former President Donald Trump, transported a teenage girl across state lines for sex acts. Ultimately, federal prosecutors decided against charging Gaetz himself, but two people were charged: Florida county tax official Joel Greenberg, an associate of Gaetz who admitted to sexual contact with the girl in question, and Stephen Alford, who was convicted of fraud for promising Gaetz a presidential pardon."

While certain evidence might ultimately be inaccessible — such as grand jury testimony — congressional investigators also have tools that would allow them to attempt to replicate much of that evidence. One major issue, however, is the timing. The DOJ’s case file would likely offer shortcuts to crucial witnesses or other pieces of information, while possibly providing insight into unproductive lines of inquiry — and thereby saving the committee a lot of time," the report noted, adding that if the DOJ refuses to give any material, it could "significantly hinder the committee’s investigation and potentially stall it," preventing a resolution before Gaetz's congressional primary in three months.

Read more: https://www.rawstory.com/matt-gaetz-doj-stonewalling/#comments_section_start

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Matt Gaetz. Another degenerate republican with special protection.

[stopdiggin]

1. dollars to donuts says that these 'requests'

have been met with a polite, most likely written, response - detailing what the DOJ feels it can share - and providing reasons. House Committee is not satisfied with this response (while failing to mention that there has been response) - and thereby goes on to huff and puff about 'stonewalls' and subpoenas. Serious doubts that the DOJ is just flatly refusing to take phone calls ...

[bringthePaine]

2. past time to ditch deplorable failure Garland

[SunSeeker]

3. DOJ never likes to turn over investigation files. The Ethics Committee better find the info themselves.

They've got 3 months before Gaetz' primary.

[Mr. Evil]

4. I've wondered why the DOJ dropped the investigation against Gaetz in the first place.

From what I read when it was ongoing I thought they had him dead to rights. Then... poof!

[Mr.Bill]

5. The DoJ should not release evidence

that is part of an ongoing investigation. The Congressional Committee has subpoena power and should be able to gather evidence on their own.

[Justice matters.]

8. The OP states that the investigation is not active...

Quote: "Another source added that it is unusual for the DOJ to push back against the committee to this extent, especially when the relevant investigation isn’t active."

Did Garland receive "death threats" too??

Given the criminals who support the criminals in the GQP, I would not rule that out, but it's only speculation...

[Mr.Bill]

9. Sorry, but in today's world,

unamed sources have zero credibility. That's my opinion, anyway. It could be that Garland is reserving his right to reopen the investigation if it isn't currently active. I wouldn't give these creeps in Congress the time of day if I was Garland. They are not to be trusted.

[AnrothElf]

6. Maybe because Jordan and Comer and others have already weaponized interference?

They probably don't trust the committee chairman. Who is it, anyway? Oh... doesn't matter. It's a Republican if it's in the House.

[Fiendish Thingy]

7. So, ethics investigation vs. Criminal investigation

Such a dilemma, which to choose?

[C Moon]

10. Again with Florida.

[cstanleytech]

11. Is this similar information that the DOJ has in the past refused to turn over to the HOUSE in other cases?

If so then I can't honestly complain as long as they are both consistent and have legitimate reasons to refuse.

[2naSalit]

12. WTF?

[republianmushroom]

13. Must not look to be political. chuckle, chuckle.