WASHINGTON, DC, USA — A hacker gained unauthorised access Monday, November 18, 2024, to a file containing sworn depositions from two women tied to the investigation of Matt Gaetz, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, according to a source familiar with the breach and an email obtained by NBC News.
The depositions include testimony from a woman who alleges she had sexual relations with Gaetz when she was 17 in 2017, as well as from a second woman who claims to have witnessed the encounter.
Both women were central to the Justice Department’s investigation into Gaetz, which has faced renewed scrutiny following his nomination to lead the Justice Department.
Breach of Secure File
The compromised file reportedly contained unredacted information and was accessed via a secure link by a user identified as “Altam Beezley,” according to the source.
The hacker obtained hundreds of pages of documents, including other sealed materials related to the investigation.
Attorney John Clune, who represents the woman alleging she had sex with Gaetz, confirmed the breach to NBC News.
“We were informed last night by another law firm that an unauthorised user accessed a shared file with a number of confidential documents,” Clune said.
It is not yet clear whether the hacked materials have been distributed or made public.
Justice Department Investigation and Nomination
The Justice Department had investigated Gaetz in connection with allegations of sex trafficking involving a minor.
While Gaetz has consistently denied any wrongdoing and was not criminally charged, the probe resurfaced in public discourse following his resignation from Congress last week to accept Trump’s nomination.
The deposition from the woman, paired with corroborative testimony from the second witness, was reportedly key evidence in the inquiry.
A source familiar with the documents described the contents of the files as “very detailed and damaging to Gaetz.”
Security and Legal Concerns
The breach raises significant concerns about the security of sensitive legal materials, particularly in cases involving high-profile political figures.
It remains unclear whether law enforcement is actively investigating the unauthorised access.
A representative for Gaetz did not respond to requests for comment.
Fallout and Next Steps
The breach adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious nomination process.
Gaetz’s candidacy for Attorney General has faced sharp criticism, with many lawmakers questioning the appropriateness of the appointment given the allegations against him and the politically charged nature of his nomination.
No official statement has been made by the Department of Justice or the House Ethics Committee, which also conducted a parallel investigation into Gaetz’s alleged misconduct.
As the story unfolds, legal experts say the breach could lead to further delays or complications in the confirmation process for the incoming Attorney General.
