Former Gaetz staffer says resignation had nothing to do with allegations, backs GOP congressman

The staffer for GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz who resigned last week said Monday that his resignation was not related to the federal sex-trafficking probe related to the Florida lawmaker and former boss. 

"Nothing could be further from the truth," the staffer, Nathan Nelson, said at a press conference.

Nelson, who was Gaetz's director of Military Affairs, said his resignation last week was already planned and that he resigned to focus on military affairs in Florida in a private capacity.

"This baseless claim against me makes me further convinced that the allegations against Congressman Gaetz are likewise fabricated and merely an attempt to discredit a very vocal conservative," Nelson said.

Nelson said he had known Gaetz for over six years and he had worked for him for four, dating back to when Gaetz was a state representative in Florida.