A nonpartisan watchdog group is seeking a preliminary injunction to obtain interview records from the federal investigation of former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who has been nominated for attorney general. American Oversight filed the motion Tuesday to access FBI summaries of interviews with witnesses in the investigation, which included allegations of sex trafficking of a minor.

ThThe originally requested group records as of March 2023 under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), but received no response. After months of inaction, the organization sued the FBI and the Department of Justice in February 2024, arguing that further delays could withhold critical information from the public before Gaetz’s confirmation process.

“Sex trafficking, obstruction of justice and abuse of power are not the kinds of questions that should be on the mind of someone being considered for US attorney general.” said American Oversight’s Chioma Chukwu Interim Executive Director, in a statement. “It is a matter of public interest and integrity and we expect the court to recognize the urgency of releasing these documents. The American people deserve to know the facts before the Senate votes on his nomination.”

American Oversight emphasized the heightened public interest in their motion, citing Mr. Gaetz’s “unusual circumstances that could lead the agency that holds the records related to his investigation,” according to a report. The New York Times.

Gaetz has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing, pointing to the Justice Department’s decision not to prosecute him as vindication of his innocence. However, lingering questions about his past behavior continue to cloud his nomination.

Testimony from an attorney representing two women alleged that Gaetz paid the women for sex, including one instance in which the former congressman allegedly engaged in sexual relations misconduct with a 17-year-old girl during his time in Congress. Those claims have fueled controversy as the Senate prepares to evaluate his nomination.

In addition, the House Ethics Committee conducted a years-long investigation into Gaetz, looking into allegations of sexual misconduct, illegal drug use and misuse of campaign funds. The commission is scheduled to vote on Wednesday whether to issue a report detailing their findings.

The watchdog group says transparency about Gaetz’s background is crucial to public trust, especially as he is being considered for a role overseeing federal law enforcement. It remains to be seen whether the court will grant the order and expedite the release of the records.