A Florida man previously accused by U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz of orchestrating a $25 million extortion plot has been indicted on federal charges of wire fraud and obstruction of justice. Stephen Alford, 62, was charged by a federal grand jury in Pensacola on Tuesday.
The indictment alleges that Alford attempted to obtain $25 million from an individual identified only as “D.G.” In return, he promised to secure a presidential pardon from then-President Donald Trump for a family member and to fund the release of “R.L.” The documents do not name the victims or other alleged participants.
Reports have identified “D.G.” as Don Gaetz, the congressman's father and a former president of the Florida Senate. The release of “R.L.” is believed to refer to Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent who disappeared in Iran over a decade ago.
Matt Gaetz, who represents parts of western Florida, is under federal investigation over allegations of a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl, which he denies. He has claimed the allegations are part of an extortion plot. The indictment was initially sealed, and it remains unclear if Alford has legal representation. He made his first court appearance on Tuesday.
