During a Christmas event hosted by the Strongsville Republican Party in Ohio, Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FL) encountered a prankster who attempted to present him with a fake award related to the investigation he faced for allegedly paying young women for sex.
After Gaetz gave a speech that was streamed on Facebook, a man introduced himself as “Mike with the Strongsville GOP” and claimed to have an award for Gaetz. Upon presenting the award, the man made sarcastic and critical comments, congratulating Gaetz for his alleged dedication to using money to pay underage girls for sex.
In response, Gaetz dismissed the accusations, saying, “Oh c’mon man! You’re so full of it.” Security then escorted the prankster off the stage, and Gaetz handed the fake award to an event official, thanking the audience.
The Department of Justice had initiated an investigation into Gaetz in 2020, accusing him of trafficking and paying underage girls for sex. Gaetz consistently denied any wrongdoing, and despite his ally Joel Greenberg pleading guilty to charges related to the investigation, the DOJ chose not to bring charges against Gaetz.
