- Federal agents seized the iPhone of Rep.
Matt Gaetz , Politico reported. - The Florida GOP lawmaker is facing federal sex trafficking allegations.
- His phone seizure comes as reports suggest investigators have secured the cooperation of a close associate.
Federal agents have reportedly seized the phone of Rep. Matt Gaetz, who is facing federal sex trafficking allegations, as reports suggest investigators have secured the cooperation of a close associate.
Federal agents executed a search warrant this winter during which they seized Gaetz's iPhone, Politico reported, citing three people who Gaetz had told about the situation.
The Florida GOP congressman reportedly changed his phone number in December last year, and his former girlfriend's phone was also seized in November, Politico reported.
The Justice Department is investigating whether Gaetz, a prominent Trump supporter in Congress, had sexual relations with a 17-year-old and if he violated sex-trafficking laws by paying for sex. Gaetz has denied the allegations and claimed they are part of an extortion plot against him.
Gaetz is alleged to have sent $900 to his political associate Joel Greenberg, who was indicted last year on sex trafficking charges, who then sent the money to women via payment apps.
In a further sign of Gaetz's mounting legal troubles, the New York Times reported Tuesday that Greenberg has been co-operating with investigators since last year to provide information.
Greenberg told investigators about an "array of topics" and said he and Gaetz provided women with cash and gifts in exchange for sex, two people familiar with the investigation told the New York Times.
The Justice Department indicted Greenberg last June and has charged him with 33 counts, including carrying out the sex trafficking of a minor between the ages
"Congressman Gaetz has never paid for sex," a representative for Gaetz told Insider on Tuesday in response to the New York Times report.
"Based on reporting from Politico, it seems Mr. Greenberg has been trying to ensnare innocent people in his troubles for quite some time."