Feds investigating obstruction as part of Gaetz probe, sources say.

The Justice Department is investigating potential obstruction of justice connected to the ongoing probe of Rep. Matt Gaetz and his alleged sexual relationship with a minor.

According to two people familiar with the matter, federal investigators' concerns over efforts to obstruct the probe date back to at least last fall, when the examination of the Florida Republican was not yet public knowledge.

One of the people said investigators have been told about Gaetz and an associate discussing a plan to talk with Gaetz's ex-girlfriend in October 2020 about the ongoing sex crimes investigation. Investigators have also been provided material about the alleged discussion, the person said.

Politico first reported the obstruction investigation on Wednesday night with additional details about what is being scrutinized. According to the outlet, investigators are also looking specifically at a phone call that Gaetz had with a witness in the sex crimes investigation. The phone call had originated between the witness and Gaetz's ex-girlfriend, and at some point during the conversation, the ex-girlfriend patched Gaetz into the call, the outlet reported.

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