Did Lauren Boebert have prohibited relationships with staff or misuse official or campaign funds?
David Wheeler released an ethics complaint alleging misconduct by Rep. Lauren Boebert. Navarro and Boebert denied the relationship allegations, while a representative rejected the complaint more broadly. House rules raise a separate question about whether the committee can accept the submission.
BackgroundHow does Congress investigate its own members for ethics complaints?
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
Wheeler's redacted complaint (opens in a new tab) alleges relationships with three supervised employees and improper official or campaign payments, including an approximately $200,000 transfer allegedly intended to stop a complaint. The released exhibits include payroll and campaign-disbursement material; those records do not by themselves establish the alleged relationships or payment motives. Navarro told the Colorado Times Recorder (opens in a new tab) that the allegations about her were false. At the time of that September 18 report, Boebert's office had not replied to the reporter's request for comment. Boebert later told Sources Say News (opens in a new tab) she had never been in an inappropriate relationship or sexually involved with staff. An unnamed representative for Boebert told TMZ (opens in a new tab) that the complaint's allegations were false and called it politically motivated. TMZ later quoted Wheeler standing by his account and sourcing. The House Ethics Committee's current rules (opens in a new tab) require return of complaints submitted within 60 days before an election in which the subject is a candidate. The FEC candidate record (opens in a new tab) and Colorado election calendar (opens in a new tab) put the complaint's stated September 17 date 47 days before the November 3 election. The public complaint does not show a House acceptance notice or member certification; no committee investigation or finding has been verified.
Background: How does Congress investigate its own members for ethics complaints?
People in this case
Lauren BoebertDirectly involved
Timeline
19 timeline entries on this page. Dates: September 17, 2026 to October 26, 2026
September 2026
Wheeler dates complaint against Boebert
Claim
David B. Wheeler signed a complaint dated September 17 alleging House ethics and campaign-finance violations by Rep. Lauren Boebert and requesting investigation. The committee has not publicly confirmed acceptance.
[01]David Wheeler’s redacted September 17, 2026 House ethics complaint and exhibits
Complainant-authored document published by the Colorado Times Recorder; documents the allegations and the complainant’s declaration, not committee acceptance or proof of the alleged conduct.
David Wheeler’s redacted September 17, 2026 House ethics complaint and exhibitsPDF pp. 1–6 (complaint), pp. 7–34 (exhibits)Wheeler publishes redacted complaint
Source release
American Muckrakers published its allegations and a redacted copy of Wheeler’s complaint with exhibits.
[02]American Muckrakers releases Boebert ethics complaint
Complainant’s public account of the complaint and its allegations; not independent corroboration of them.
American Muckrakers releases Boebert ethics complaintIntroduction; allegations; complaint download[01]David Wheeler’s redacted September 17, 2026 House ethics complaint and exhibits
Complainant-authored document published by the Colorado Times Recorder; documents the allegations and the complainant’s declaration, not committee acceptance or proof of the alleged conduct.
David Wheeler’s redacted September 17, 2026 House ethics complaint and exhibitsPDF pp. 1–6 (complaint), pp. 7–34 (exhibits)Navarro denies allegations involving her
Reaction
Clarice Navarro Ratzlaff told the Colorado Times Recorder that the allegations about her were false.
[03]Colorado Times Recorder reports complaint and Navarro’s denial
Source excerpt
These allegations regarding me are entirely false, defamatory, and beyond ridiculous.
Original reporting with Navarro’s direct text denial; distinguishes earlier photographs and office reporting from evidence of an inappropriate relationship.
Colorado Times Recorder reports complaint and Navarro’s denialNavarro text interview; Boebert office response paragraphJayson Boebert disputes Wheeler’s allegations
Reaction
In a text-message screenshot published by Wheeler, a response attributed to Jayson Boebert rejects the allegations and criticizes Wheeler’s sources.
[04]American Muckrakers publishes screenshot of Jayson Boebert's response
Source excerpt
I think it is all a fairy tale made up propaganda. I don't believe any of that. Bad sources.
Wheeler's post publishes a screenshot of a text exchange it attributes to Jayson Boebert. The screenshot shows a question about the alleged relationship and payment, followed by a response rejecting the allegations. The screenshot documents the attributed response, not whether the allegations are true.
American Muckrakers publishes screenshot of Jayson Boebert's responseEmbedded text-message screenshot immediately after “In response to our story, Jayson said the following” in “The allegations, by the numbers” section.Boebert denies staff-relationship allegations
Reaction
Sources Say News published a direct response from Lauren Boebert denying that she had been in an inappropriate relationship or sexually involved with staff.
[05]Sources Say News quotes Boebert denying staff-relationship allegations
Juliegrace Brufke's original report attributes a direct denial of inappropriate or sexual relationships with staff to Rep. Lauren Boebert. The quoted denial concerns the alleged relationships.
Sources Say News quotes Boebert denying staff-relationship allegationsSeptember 19, 2026; opening paragraph and Boebert quotation beginning “Well, I’m not a lesbian or bisexual”Matt Gaetz responds to separate allegation involving him
Reaction
Gaetz quote-posted an X user's account of a separate, unverified allegation in Wheeler's release involving Gaetz, Boebert and Navarro, asking anyone with purported video to release it. His post does not expressly deny the allegation or address the complaint's main claims.
[06]Matt Gaetz responds on X to allegation involving Boebert and Navarro
Gaetz quote-posted another user's repetition of a separate, unverified claim in Wheeler's public release involving Gaetz, Boebert and Navarro. Gaetz asked anyone claiming to have video to release it. The post does not explicitly deny the alleged encounter or address the complaint's principal staff-relationship and funding allegations.
Matt Gaetz responds on X to allegation involving Boebert and NavarroX post 2101323063400821146, September 19, 2026 at 10:50 a.m. EDT; quote-post of @daviddunn177[02]American Muckrakers releases Boebert ethics complaint
Complainant’s public account of the complaint and its allegations; not independent corroboration of them.
American Muckrakers releases Boebert ethics complaintIntroduction; allegations; complaint downloadBoebert representative rejects complaint allegations
Reaction
TMZ published an unnamed representative's statement rejecting the allegations against Boebert, including the alleged staff relationships and disputed payment, and characterizing the complaint as politically motivated.
[07]TMZ reports Boebert representative's denial and Wheeler's response
TMZ's original reporting quotes an unnamed representative for Rep. Lauren Boebert rejecting the complaint's allegations and criticizing its motive. The updated article also quotes complainant David Wheeler responding to that denial. The representative's name and role are not specified.
TMZ reports Boebert representative's denial and Wheeler's responseSeptember 19, 2026; published 1:44 p.m. PDT, updated 3:16 p.m. PDT; paragraphs beginning “A rep for Boebert tells TMZ” and “In response to her denial”Boebert’s office argues House Ethics Rule 15 requires the filing to be returned
Reaction
In an official press release, Boebert’s office repeated its denial of the complaint’s allegations and advanced two procedural objections. It said House Committee on Ethics Rule 15 requires the filing to be returned because it was submitted within 60 days of an election in which Boebert is a candidate, and said a non-member submission does not qualify as a complaint without written certification from a House member. These are the office’s interpretations; the release does not report a Committee ruling on the filing.
[08]Lauren Boebert
Source excerpt
There is zero truth to these House Ethics Committee allegations.
Boebert’s congressional office rejects the complaint’s allegations, describes the filing as politically motivated, and discusses the House Ethics Committee’s complaint procedures. Those procedural and factual characterizations are attributed to the office, not treated as a committee determination.
Boebert’s office says there is “zero truth” to the House Ethics Committee allegations · Lauren BoebertSeptember 20 release; opening paragraphs and Background section.Updated analysis checks the complaint’s payment figures against FEC records
Source release
An updated Douglas County analysis reported that most campaign-payment figures cited in the complaint match FEC records. It could not locate the complaint’s cited $4,148.20 Singer Island catering expense in the filings for Lauren Boebert for Congress and found that the complaint’s selected date ranges exclude other recount-related consulting payments to the named staff members. The analysis said the records document payments but do not establish the complaint’s allegations about relationships or payment motives.
[09]Douglas County analysis checks the Boebert complaint against public records
Source excerpt
Nearly all of them match the record exactly. One does not appear in it at all.
The article compares campaign-payment figures in the complaint with FEC records. It reports that most figures match, that it could not locate the cited $4,148.20 Singer Island catering payment in the named campaign committee’s filings, and that the complaint’s date windows exclude other recount-related consulting payments. It distinguishes record-supported payments from the complaint’s disputed interpretation of their purpose.
Douglas County analysis checks the Boebert complaint against public recordsSections “What can be checked,” “One figure we could not find,” “What the complaint left out,” and “What cannot be checked”; updated September 21, 2026Nancy Mace urges Boebert and named staff to consider defamation claims
Reaction
Responding to Boebert’s video denial, Rep. Nancy Mace said she hoped Boebert and the employees named in the complaint had grounds to sue the complainant and others who spread the allegations. Mace advised them to consult an attorney and discussed the differing defamation standards that can apply to public figures and employees. Her post did not report that a lawsuit had been filed or that a court had found any statement defamatory.
[10]Nancy Mace
Source excerpt
I hope all of you have grounds to sue the sh*t out of this guy and anyone that spread this garbage.
Mace responded to Boebert’s video denial by urging Boebert and the employees named in the complaint to consult an attorney about possible defamation claims. The post expresses Mace’s view and does not establish whether any statement was defamatory.
Nancy Mace urges Boebert and her staff to consider defamation claims · Nancy MaceX post 2101824368816931243; posted September 20, 2026 at 8:02 p.m. EDTWheeler says the complaint is being amended and Members are being asked to sign a Rule 15 complaint
Reaction
In a reply to Boebert's video statement, David B. Wheeler said the original complaint was filed through the House Ethics Committee's online portal and followed up by email, and that American Muckrakers is amending the complaint and is in talks with several House members to sign a Rule 15 complaint. This follows Boebert's office argument that House Ethics Rule 15 requires the filing to be returned. Wheeler did not name the members reportedly in talks, and the claims are his own assertions.
[11]David B. Wheeler
Source excerpt
Regarding my Committee on Ethics filing, the complaint was filed via the Ethics online public filing portal as allowed by their rules and then followed up with a more extensive complaint via email. All done according to the rules and accepted by the Committee. We're amending our Complaint tomorrow and in talks with several Members to sign a Rule 15 complaint.
David B. Wheeler's American Muckrakers X account replied directly to Boebert's September 20 video statement (quote-posted). The reply rebuts her characterization of the complaint, cites a defamation-suit ruling in his favor, defends the complaint's timing, and says the complaint is being amended and that Members are being asked to sign a Rule 15 complaint. It also lists several older, unrelated allegations against Boebert not corroborated here and outside this case's scope.
American Muckrakers' X reply to Boebert's video statement · David B. WheelerFull text of the post, quoting Boebert's video by reference.American Muckrakers responds to Mace and proposes a televised debate
Reaction
The American Muckrakers X account replied to Mace by referring to earlier litigation involving Boebert, repeating questions premised on the complaint’s allegations, and challenging Mace to debate those allegations on live television. The reply reiterated the complainant side’s position but supplied no new evidence establishing the alleged relationships or payment purposes.
[12]American Muckrakers responds to Nancy Mace and proposes a televised debate
Source excerpt
Or, shall you and I debate my complaint allegations on live TV?
American Muckrakers replied to Mace’s post, repeated questions premised on allegations in Wheeler’s complaint, and challenged Mace to debate the allegations on television. The post does not independently substantiate the allegations.
American Muckrakers responds to Nancy Mace and proposes a televised debateX post 2101882164170158349; reply to Nancy MaceWheeler says he sent Boebert a cease-and-desist and retraction demand
Reaction
In his September 26 newsletter post, Wheeler wrote that on September 22 he sent Boebert, her chief of staff and her staff a formal cease-and-desist and retraction demand. He wrote that it demands that they stop saying he committed perjury or broke federal law, correct both press releases and every outlet that ran them within 10 days, stop claiming a restraining order exists against him, and preserve all records, including a release he says her office has pulled from its own site. He wrote that if the office does not correct the record he expects to file a defamation lawsuit. Colorado Politics reported on September 23 that the letter went out late Tuesday and demands corrections and retractions of statements accusing Wheeler of perjury. The post does not publish the letter.
[13]American Muckrakers, September 26, 2026: Lauren Boebert Called Me a Criminal. Here's What Actually Happened. I Need Your Support Now!
Source excerpt
On September 17, I filed a sworn ethics complaint against Rep. Lauren Boebert with the House Ethics Committee. It isn't built on rumor. It's built on House disbursement records, FEC filings, text messages, and named sources who gave written statements.
A post in the American Muckrakers newsletter, signed by Wheeler as its president. It describes the September 17 ethics complaint, says Boebert answered by accusing him of a crime, gives his account of a 2022 Garfield County case, and says he sent Boebert a cease-and-desist letter on September 22. It also contains appeals for donations.
American Muckrakers, September 26, 2026: Lauren Boebert Called Me a Criminal. Here's What Actually Happened. I Need Your Support Now!Newsletter post, opening paragraph[14]Denver Gazette (Colorado Politics), September 23, 2026: Boebert blasts complaint alleging affairs with staff, 'hush money' payment
Source excerpt
The letter demands they issue corrections and retract statements accusing Wheeler of committing perjury by knowingly filing false statements in his complaint.
Colorado Politics report, published by the Denver Gazette. It says Wheeler sent a formal cease-and-desist letter to Boebert and her current staff late on Tuesday, September 22, and that the letter demands corrections and retractions of statements accusing him of perjury.
Denver Gazette (Colorado Politics), September 23, 2026: Boebert blasts complaint alleging affairs with staff, 'hush money' paymentParagraph on Wheeler's written statements and cease-and-desist letter, late TuesdayBoebert's office posts a revised release that says Wheeler likely committed perjury
Reaction
A revised version of the press release from Boebert's congressional office replaced the September 20 version, which attributed its statement to a spokesperson. The revised release is issued in Boebert's name, repeats that there is no truth to the allegations, and says Wheeler "also likely committed perjury and broke a federal law" when he certified his filing under penalty of perjury. The page shows a last-modified time of 6:52 p.m. EDT on September 22, and the earlier address now redirects to it. Wheeler answered in his September 26 post that he committed no crime.
[15]Lauren Boebert
Source excerpt
I reject these baseless allegations as utterly false and there is no truth to them whatsoever.
The congressional office's revised release. The page keeps the original publication time of 8:49 p.m. EDT on September 20, 2026 and shows a last-modified time of 6:52 p.m. EDT on September 22. It replaces the September 20 version, which attributed its statement to a spokesperson and does not contain the sentence about perjury; that version is saved as an archive copy of its old address, which now redirects here. The revised release is issued in Boebert's name and quotes her directly.
Congresswoman Boebert denies allegations in September 17 filing (Boebert's congressional office, revised release) · Lauren BoebertBackground section, first paragraph (the perjury sentence); the first-person statement is in the opening quoted paragraph[08]Lauren Boebert
Source excerpt
There is zero truth to these House Ethics Committee allegations.
Boebert’s congressional office rejects the complaint’s allegations, describes the filing as politically motivated, and discusses the House Ethics Committee’s complaint procedures. Those procedural and factual characterizations are attributed to the office, not treated as a committee determination.
Boebert’s office says there is “zero truth” to the House Ethics Committee allegations · Lauren BoebertSeptember 20 release; opening paragraphs and Background section.[13]American Muckrakers, September 26, 2026: Lauren Boebert Called Me a Criminal. Here's What Actually Happened. I Need Your Support Now!
Source excerpt
On September 17, I filed a sworn ethics complaint against Rep. Lauren Boebert with the House Ethics Committee. It isn't built on rumor. It's built on House disbursement records, FEC filings, text messages, and named sources who gave written statements.
A post in the American Muckrakers newsletter, signed by Wheeler as its president. It describes the September 17 ethics complaint, says Boebert answered by accusing him of a crime, gives his account of a 2022 Garfield County case, and says he sent Boebert a cease-and-desist letter on September 22. It also contains appeals for donations.
American Muckrakers, September 26, 2026: Lauren Boebert Called Me a Criminal. Here's What Actually Happened. I Need Your Support Now!Newsletter post, opening paragraphWeld County judge grants temporary protection order involving Boebert and Wheeler
KDVR and CBS Colorado report that a Weld County judge granted a temporary protection order involving Rep. Lauren Boebert and David Wheeler. CBS Colorado reports that Boebert supplied a copy signed by a judge and that the order includes no-contact and distance terms, with a hearing set for October 1. The reports do not decide the ethics-complaint allegations.
[16]Boebert granted temporary restraining order against accuser in ethics complaint
KDVR reports that a Weld County judge granted Lauren Boebert a temporary restraining order against David Wheeler. The report was posted September 24 and updated September 25.
Boebert granted temporary restraining order against accuser in ethics complaintOpening paragraphs; Posted Sep. 24, 2026, 10:16 p.m. MDT; updated Sep. 25, 2026, 1:11 p.m. MDT.[17]Rep. Lauren Boebert gets a protection order after she's accused of having sex with staffers
CBS Colorado reports that Boebert supplied a signed copy of a temporary protection order requiring Wheeler to avoid contact with her and stay at least 100 yards away. The same report quotes Wheeler saying that two sources have given statements and would testify, says Jace Ratzlaff, the ex-husband of one of the staffers, told CBS Colorado he is not one of Wheeler's sources, and describes a polygraph examination that Ratzlaff says he took voluntarily, administered by examiner Stephen Daniels of Proof Positive Testing. The structured page data gives September 24 at 8:02 p.m. Mountain time as the publication time; the page body shows an October 1 update.
Rep. Lauren Boebert gets a protection order after she's accused of having sex with staffersParagraphs on the protection order, and the paragraphs on Wheeler's sources and Jace Ratzlaff's polygraph
October 2026
Weld County judge keeps the temporary protection order in place and sets briefing on Wheeler's anti-SLAPP motion
On September 30, Wheeler filed a special motion to dismiss Boebert's protection-order petition under Colorado's anti-SLAPP law. At the October 1 hearing, where Boebert sought a permanent protection order, Weld County Court Judge Dana Nichols left the temporary order in place until a November 16 hearing and gave both sides time to brief the anti-SLAPP motion, the Denver Gazette reported. Wheeler wrote that the court stated on the record that his reporting will not violate the temporary order and that he agreed not to tag Boebert in social media posts while the case is pending. A Boebert spokesperson did not respond to the Gazette's request for comment.
[18]Boebert critic files anti-SLAPP motion in bid to toss protection order (Denver Gazette, October 2, 2026)
Source excerpt
The judge left Boebert's temporary protection order in place until the next hearing in the case, scheduled for Nov. 16.
Colorado Politics reporting carried by the Denver Gazette. It reports that Wheeler filed a special motion to dismiss under Colorado's anti-SLAPP law on September 30, that Boebert appeared before Weld County Court Judge Dana Nichols on October 1 seeking a permanent protection order, that the judge left the temporary order in place until a November 16 hearing, and that a Boebert spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.
[19]A Member of Congress Tried To Silence My Reporting. I'm still reporting. (American Muckrakers, October 2, 2026)
Source excerpt
The court stated on the record that my reporting will not violate the temporary protection order.
Wheeler's own account of the October 1 hearing in Boebert v. Wheeler, Weld County Court Case No. 2026C1286. He writes that the court set briefing on his anti-SLAPP motion, that the temporary order stays in place until a November 16 hearing, and that he agreed not to tag Boebert in social media posts while the case is pending.
A Member of Congress Tried To Silence My Reporting. I'm still reporting. (American Muckrakers, October 2, 2026)Section on the October 1 hearingWheeler disputes Boebert's account of a 2022 protection order against him
Reaction
CBS Colorado reported on September 24 (Mountain time) that Wheeler took issue with Boebert's claim that she got a temporary protection order against him in 2022, saying a protection order has to be served to be effective. It reported that Boebert provided a copy of a protection order signed by a judge and said police were unable to serve Wheeler because he no longer lived at the address on file. The New York Post had reported on September 20 that Boebert "has had a restraining order against the man behind the complaint, American Muckrakers' leader David Wheeler, since 2022." In his September 26 post Wheeler called that claim false and wrote that a June 2022 Garfield County case was dismissed on July 20, 2022, that no permanent order was entered, and that no order was ever served on him. In an October 3 post he wrote that he "was served June 30" in that case and reproduced docket lines for case 2022C30220 that list a temporary protection order granted June 23, 2022, a return of service entry dated June 30, 2022, and a dismissal without prejudice and a vacated temporary order on July 20, 2022. His posts do not say what was served on June 30. The 2022 case is separate from the temporary protection order a Weld County judge granted on September 24, 2026.
[13]American Muckrakers, September 26, 2026: Lauren Boebert Called Me a Criminal. Here's What Actually Happened. I Need Your Support Now!
Source excerpt
On September 17, I filed a sworn ethics complaint against Rep. Lauren Boebert with the House Ethics Committee. It isn't built on rumor. It's built on House disbursement records, FEC filings, text messages, and named sources who gave written statements.
A post in the American Muckrakers newsletter, signed by Wheeler as its president. It describes the September 17 ethics complaint, says Boebert answered by accusing him of a crime, gives his account of a 2022 Garfield County case, and says he sent Boebert a cease-and-desist letter on September 22. It also contains appeals for donations.
American Muckrakers, September 26, 2026: Lauren Boebert Called Me a Criminal. Here's What Actually Happened. I Need Your Support Now!Newsletter post, opening paragraph[17]Rep. Lauren Boebert gets a protection order after she's accused of having sex with staffers
CBS Colorado reports that Boebert supplied a signed copy of a temporary protection order requiring Wheeler to avoid contact with her and stay at least 100 yards away. The same report quotes Wheeler saying that two sources have given statements and would testify, says Jace Ratzlaff, the ex-husband of one of the staffers, told CBS Colorado he is not one of Wheeler's sources, and describes a polygraph examination that Ratzlaff says he took voluntarily, administered by examiner Stephen Daniels of Proof Positive Testing. The structured page data gives September 24 at 8:02 p.m. Mountain time as the publication time; the page body shows an October 1 update.
Rep. Lauren Boebert gets a protection order after she's accused of having sex with staffersParagraphs on the protection order, and the paragraphs on Wheeler's sources and Jace Ratzlaff's polygraph[20]American Muckrakers, October 3, 2026: Seven Petitions, One Permanent Order: Rep. Lauren Boebert's Protection Order Habit
Source excerpt
2022C30220 | Boebert, Lauren Opal v. Wheeler, David 06/23/2022 Temporary Protection Order: Granted 06/30/2022 Return of Service 07/20/2022 Dismissed without Prejudice 07/20/2022 Temporary Protection Order: Vacated
A post in the American Muckrakers newsletter, by Wheeler as its president, that lists seven protection-order petitions Boebert has filed since 2018. Wheeler discloses that he is the respondent in two of the cases. The docket lines are as Wheeler reproduces them. For the 2022 case he writes that he was served June 30 and that the judge dismissed the case and vacated the order.
American Muckrakers, October 3, 2026: Seven Petitions, One Permanent Order: Rep. Lauren Boebert's Protection Order HabitEntry on June 2022, Garfield County (2022C30220), with the docket lines Wheeler reproduces[21]New York Post, September 20, 2026: Rep. Lauren Boebert has simple response to sketchy claim she had sex with 3 staffers, including 2 women
Source excerpt
Boebert has had a restraining order against the man behind the complaint, American Muckrakers' leader David Wheeler, since 2022.
New York Post report by Ryan King on the complaint and Boebert's response. The sentence on a restraining order since 2022 is the claim Wheeler disputes in his September 26 post.
New York Post, September 20, 2026: Rep. Lauren Boebert has simple response to sketchy claim she had sex with 3 staffers, including 2 womenParagraph after the report that Boebert's office called the claims utterly falseWheeler describes new allegations in an amended ethics complaint
Source release
David B. Wheeler published an account of additions to his Boebert ethics complaint on October 7. He described a conditional nepotism allegation involving Jasmine B. Higgs, questions about whether her pay matched her work, and alleged retaliation against the complainant. He said he did not know whether Higgs and Boebert's brother were married. The article does not establish the allegations or committee acceptance of an amended filing.
[22]David B. Wheeler
Source excerpt
If that pay is tied to a family relationship rather than to the duties, it violates the House rule
Wheeler describes allegations he says he added to his complaint. He expressly says he does not know whether Higgs and Dylan Boebert are married. The publication verifies his account and requests for inquiry; it does not establish the allegations or House committee acceptance.
David B. Wheeler explains additions to the Boebert ethics complaint · David B. WheelerOctober 7, 2026 article, Addition 1: Jasmine B. Higgs and the family payroll; Additions 2 and 3Wheeler reports two extension requests in Boebert protection-order case
Source release
Wheeler publishes an account of October 14 and 22 requests for more time to answer his anti-SLAPP motion and an October 25 order granting the second request. He says he agreed to the first extension but opposed part of the second, and argues that delay increases his legal costs.
[23]Wheeler describes extensions in the Boebert protection-order case
Wheeler describes scheduling developments in the protection-order case and argues that delays increase his legal costs.
Wheeler describes extensions in the Boebert protection-order caseThe record section, including the October 14 and 22 motions and October 25 order
Claims
Claims separate what was said from what is contested. Follow each source for the original wording and context.
What's disputed
Disputed claim
Rep. Lauren Boebert engaged in sexual relationships with three House employees she supervised.
Sources (2)
- David Wheeler’s redacted September 17, 2026 House ethics complaint and exhibitsPDF pp. 1–6 (complaint), pp. 7–34 (exhibits)
- American Muckrakers releases Boebert ethics complaintIntroduction; allegations; complaint download
Disputed claim
Rep. Lauren Boebert arranged an approximately $200,000 payment to Clarice Navarro Ratzlaff to prevent her from filing an ethics complaint.
Sources (2)
- David Wheeler’s redacted September 17, 2026 House ethics complaint and exhibitsPDF pp. 1–6 (complaint), pp. 7–34 (exhibits)
- American Muckrakers releases Boebert ethics complaintIntroduction; allegations; complaint download
Response record
Responses
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
13 matching responses. First 6 shown initially. Newest first.
David B. WheelerEthics complainant and American Muckrakers co-founderDirectly involved Before this statement
Wheeler expressly said he did not know whether Higgs and Dylan Boebert were married. He then raised a separate question about whether staff pay matched the work performed.
"If that pay is tied to a family relationship rather than to the duties, it violates the House rule"
Mixed or conditionalCase context: Did Lauren Boebert have prohibited relationships with staff or misuse official or campaign funds?
Full statement and sources
Wheeler said Higgs's pay would violate the House rule if it reflected a family relationship rather than her duties. He asked the committee to determine her marital status and the basis for her raises.
After the statement
The sentence continues that the House-rule concern would apply regardless of a marriage license. Wheeler asks the committee to determine marital status and the basis for each raise.
David B. Wheeler explains additions to the Boebert ethics complaint · David B. WheelerOctober 7, 2026 article, Addition 1: Jasmine B. Higgs and the family payroll; Additions 2 and 3Why this label?
The quoted statement alleges a violation only if pay was tied to a family relationship instead of work. It raises a condition for inquiry rather than establishing improper payments.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
David B. WheelerComplainant and president of American Muckrakers, writing in its newsletterDirectly involved Before this statement
Boebert's office's revised release, posted by September 22, says Wheeler "also likely committed perjury and broke a federal law" when he certified his September 17 filing under penalty of perjury.
"Boebert didn't answer the records. She answered by accusing me of a crime. Her official House press release was published on a taxpayer-funded government website says I "likely committed perjury and broke a federal law." Read that again: a sitting member of Congress used her official office to accuse a private citizen of a federal crime, in writing, on a .gov domain paid for by the public. I committed no crime. My complaint is sworn under 28 U.S.C. § 1746, the standard federal perjury exposure for a false statement, and it asks the Ethics Committee to do its job and investigate. That's not a rebuttal. That's a threat dressed up as a press release."
CondemnedCase context: Did Lauren Boebert have prohibited relationships with staff or misuse official or campaign funds?
Full statement and sources
In his September 26 newsletter post, Wheeler wrote that Boebert "didn't answer the records" and instead accused him of a crime. He wrote that he committed no crime, that his complaint is sworn under 28 U.S.C. Section 1746 and asks the Ethics Committee to investigate, and that her release is "a threat dressed up as a press release."
After the statement
Wheeler goes on to say he sent Boebert, her chief of staff and her staff a cease-and-desist and retraction demand on September 22, and that he expects to file a defamation lawsuit if her office does not correct the record.
American Muckrakers, September 26, 2026: Lauren Boebert Called Me a Criminal. Here's What Actually Happened. I Need Your Support Now!Newsletter post, opening paragraphCongresswoman Boebert denies allegations in September 17 filing (Boebert's congressional office, revised release) · Lauren BoebertBackground section, first paragraph (the perjury sentence); the first-person statement is in the opening quoted paragraphWhy this label?
The case concerns alleged prohibited staff relationships and misuse of official or campaign funds. Wheeler answers Boebert's accusation that he committed perjury by saying he committed no crime, and he presses the complaint and asks the Ethics Committee to investigate, so the statement maintains the allegations rather than only disputing a label. The closest competing label is Challenged the characterization, because he rejects the perjury accusation; it does not fit because he goes on to press the complaint. His account of the complaint's basis remains his own assertion.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
David B. WheelerComplainant and president of American Muckrakers, writing in its newsletterDirectly involved Before this statement
CBS Colorado reported on September 24 that Wheeler said both of his sources' statements are in his possession and were provided to the House Committee on Ethics, and that Jace Ratzlaff, the ex-husband of one of the staffers, told CBS Colorado he is not one of Wheeler's sources. Boebert's office revised its September 20 press release, which had attributed its denial to a spokesperson. The revised release, last modified on September 22, says Wheeler "also likely committed perjury and broke a federal law".
"On September 17, I filed a sworn ethics complaint against Rep. Lauren Boebert with the House Ethics Committee. It isn't built on rumor. It's built on House disbursement records, FEC filings, text messages, and named sources who gave written statements."
CondemnedCase context: Did Lauren Boebert have prohibited relationships with staff or misuse official or campaign funds?
Full statement and sources
In a newsletter post on September 26, 2026, David B. Wheeler, president of American Muckrakers, wrote that his September 17 ethics complaint against Rep. Lauren Boebert is not built on rumor but on House disbursement records, FEC filings, text messages and named sources who gave written statements. He also wrote that Boebert answered by accusing him of a crime and that he sent her a cease-and-desist letter on September 22. The post gives no names and presents none of the statements.
After the statement
As of October 6, 2026, we did not find a House Ethics Committee statement confirming that it received the complaint or any statements.
American Muckrakers, September 26, 2026: Lauren Boebert Called Me a Criminal. Here's What Actually Happened. I Need Your Support Now!Newsletter post, opening paragraphCongresswoman Boebert denies allegations in September 17 filing (Boebert's congressional office, revised release) · Lauren BoebertBackground section, first paragraph (the perjury sentence); the first-person statement is in the opening quoted paragraphWhy this label?
The case concerns alleged prohibited staff relationships and misuse of official or campaign funds. Wheeler maintains that the complaint rests on records, text messages and named sources, which he offers in support of the allegations. The closest competing label is Challenged the characterization, because he rebuts the label of rumor; it does not fit because he goes on to assert the evidentiary basis for the allegations. The post presents none of the records or statements and does not show that the House Ethics Committee accepted the complaint.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
David B. WheelerComplainant and president of American Muckrakers, speaking to CBS ColoradoDirectly involved Before this statement
CBS Colorado reported that a Weld County judge had granted Boebert a temporary protection order against Wheeler, who lives in North Carolina and says he filed the ethics complaint with the House Committee on Ethics.
"Both sources are ready and willing to testify under oath and provide receipts without subpoena. Both statements are in my possession and were provided to the House Committee on Ethics."
CondemnedCase context: Did Lauren Boebert have prohibited relationships with staff or misuse official or campaign funds?
Full statement and sources
CBS Colorado reported that Wheeler says an ex-husband of one of the staff members is one of his sources for the complaint. Wheeler told CBS Colorado that both of his sources are ready and willing to testify under oath and provide receipts without a subpoena, and that both of their statements are in his possession and were provided to the House Committee on Ethics.
After the statement
CBS Colorado reported that Ratzlaff says he is not one of Wheeler's sources and that he took a polygraph test to show he is not. We could not locate a public House Ethics Committee confirmation that it received any statements as of October 6, 2026.
Rep. Lauren Boebert gets a protection order after she's accused of having sex with staffersParagraphs on the protection order, and the paragraphs on Wheeler's sources and Jace Ratzlaff's polygraphWhy this label?
The case concerns alleged prohibited staff relationships and misuse of official or campaign funds. Wheeler maintains the complaint's allegations and says two sources would testify and that their statements were provided to the House Ethics Committee, which he offers in support of the allegations. His statement gives no names and presents none of the statements, and CBS Colorado reports no confirmation from the Committee. Jace Ratzlaff, the ex-husband of a staffer, told CBS Colorado he is not one of Wheeler's sources.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Lauren BoebertU.S. representative for Colorado's 4th district, in a press release from her congressional officeDirectly involvedBefore this statement
Boebert's office first issued a release on September 20 that attributed its denial to a spokesperson. The page's last-modified time is 6:52 p.m. EDT on September 22, and the earlier address now redirects to the revised release.
"I reject these baseless allegations as utterly false and there is no truth to them whatsoever. I have never had a sexual relationship or an inappropriate romantic relationship with any member of my staff—past or present. ... David Wheeler also likely committed perjury and broke a federal law when he certified under penalty of perjury that his lies were the truth and acknowledged that "knowingly making false statements to the Committee may violate federal law, including 18 U.S.C. § 1001.""
DeniedCase context: Did Lauren Boebert have prohibited relationships with staff or misuse official or campaign funds?
Full statement and sources
In a revised press release from her congressional office, Rep. Lauren Boebert said she rejects the allegations as "utterly false" and that she has "never had a sexual relationship or an inappropriate romantic relationship with any member of my staff." The release also says Wheeler "also likely committed perjury and broke a federal law" when he certified his filing under penalty of perjury, and that the filing should not be treated as an investigation under House Ethics Committee Rule 15.
After the statement
The perjury sentence appears in the release's Background section, outside the quotation marks around Boebert's statement. The release also cites a June 2022 CNN fact-check of earlier American Muckrakers claims and describes how Wheeler's earlier federal defamation suit against Boebert ended. Those are the office's characterizations.
Congresswoman Boebert denies allegations in September 17 filing (Boebert's congressional office, revised release) · Lauren BoebertBackground section, first paragraph (the perjury sentence); the first-person statement is in the opening quoted paragraphBoebert’s office says there is “zero truth” to the House Ethics Committee allegations · Lauren BoebertSeptember 20 release; opening paragraphs and Background section.Why this label?
The case concerns alleged prohibited staff relationships and misuse of official or campaign funds. Boebert says the allegations are utterly false and that she has never had a sexual or inappropriate romantic relationship with staff, so we labeled it Denied. The closest competing label is Challenged the characterization, because the release also calls the filing a politically motivated stunt; it does not fit because Boebert directly says the allegations are untrue. The release also accuses Wheeler of perjury over his filing. That accusation is about the filing and does not change the label.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
David B. WheelerComplainant and president of American Muckrakers, in a reply posted on the organization's X accountDirectly involved Before this statement
The reply directly quote-posted Boebert's September 20 video, in which she called coverage of the complaint a smear and criticized Wheeler.
"The patronizing hypocrisy of you, Lauren Beetlejuice Boebert, posting a video lecturing me, the press, or anyone else on the propriety of what's fair, who is truthful, and what the law allows, is quintessential Boebert swamp spin. You attack the accuser, not the facts. You attack the process, not the facts. You attack the media, not the story. But, you never respond to the allegations or ever admit any fault."
CondemnedCase context: Did Lauren Boebert have prohibited relationships with staff or misuse official or campaign funds?
Full statement and sources
Responding directly to Boebert's video statement, David B. Wheeler rejected her characterization of the complaint as a smear, said she attacks the accuser, process and media instead of responding to the allegations, and reiterated that the complaint was properly filed and accepted by the committee. He also said American Muckrakers is amending the complaint and is in talks with House members to sign a Rule 15 complaint, and cited a defamation-suit ruling in his favor against Boebert.
After the statement
The post also listed several older, unrelated allegations against Boebert not connected to this complaint's core allegations; those are not treated as established facts here and are outside this case's scope.
American Muckrakers' X reply to Boebert's video statement · David B. WheelerFull text of the post, quoting Boebert's video by reference.Why this label?
The case concerns alleged prohibited staff relationships and misuse of official or campaign funds. Wheeler rejects Boebert's denial and characterization of the complaint, maintains the allegations, and defends the complaint's filing and timing, so the statement condemns the conduct under scrutiny rather than merely disputing a label. His procedural and evidentiary claims remain his own assertions.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Show fewer responses
- Lauren BoebertUnited States representative for Colorado’s 4th congressional districtDirectly involved
Before this statement
A complaint released by David B. Wheeler alleged prohibited staff relationships and financial misconduct; Boebert and her representative had previously denied the allegations.
"You all ran a smear and called it news."
DeniedCase context: Did Lauren Boebert have prohibited relationships with staff or misuse official or campaign funds?
Full statement and sources
Boebert called the complaint a “salacious BS attack,” said no House member had certified it for review, and argued the House Ethics Committee could not accept it within 60 days of an election. She described the coverage as a smear and rejected the allegations.
After the statement
House Ethics procedures describe certification requirements for complaints from nonmembers and a 60-day restriction for complaints concerning candidates. This record attributes Boebert’s broader characterization of the complaint and news coverage to her.
Lauren Boebert posts a video response to coverage of the ethics complaint · Lauren BoebertFull video attached to the post; response begins “You all ran a smear...”Mediaite reports Lauren Boebert’s video response to ethics-complaint coverageQuoted video statement beginning “You all ran a smear...” and passage discussing House Ethics Committee complaint procedures.Boebert’s office says there is “zero truth” to the House Ethics Committee allegations · Lauren BoebertSeptember 20 release; opening paragraphs and Background section.Why this label?
Boebert characterized the complaint as false and the coverage as a smear, rejecting the allegations rather than addressing each allegation individually in the excerpted statement.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
David B. WheelerComplainant and president of American Muckrakers, posting from its X account and signing DBWDirectly involved Before this statement
An unnamed Boebert representative told TMZ on September 19 that the complaint's allegations were false and described Wheeler's earlier claims as baseless. Wheeler had already told TMZ he stood by his account and sourcing.
"they are willing to give testimony under oath and provide documents without subpoena."
CondemnedCase context: Did Lauren Boebert have prohibited relationships with staff or misuse official or campaign funds?
Full statement and sources
Responding to Boebert's representative's denial, David B. Wheeler said his sources possess bank statements, messages, records, and recordings and are willing to provide documents and testimony. His September 20 X post provides none of those materials or named witnesses and does not establish that the House Ethics Committee accepted the complaint or opened an investigation.
After the statement
Wheeler's post asserts that sources have records and would provide documents and testimony. The post does not identify witnesses or present the records. No public House Ethics Committee acceptance or investigation has been verified.
David B. Wheeler responds on X to Boebert representative’s denialX post 2101727234645979515Why this label?
The case concerns alleged prohibited staff relationships and misuse of official or campaign funds. Wheeler maintains that wrongdoing occurred, disputes Boebert's denial, and says his sources possess records and would testify. He is criticizing the alleged conduct. The post does not independently substantiate his evidence claims.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
David B. WheelerComplainant and president of American Muckrakers, in an emailed statement to NewsweekDirectly involved Before this statement
Boebert and her office had denied the complaint’s allegations and described the filing as politically motivated. Wheeler had separately said that unnamed sources possessed records and would testify.
"All allegations will be proven with bank statements, text messages, emails, recordings, and witness testimony."
CondemnedCase context: Did Lauren Boebert have prohibited relationships with staff or misuse official or campaign funds?
Full statement and sources
In an emailed response to Newsweek, Wheeler characterized Boebert’s denial as deflection and asserted that bank statements, messages, recordings, and witness testimony would prove the complaint’s allegations. He predicted an investigation but also said the House Ethics Committee had not acknowledged his submission. Newsweek said it had not verified Wheeler’s claims.
After the statement
Wheeler said he submitted the complaint through the committee’s website and by email but had received no acknowledgment. Newsweek stated that filing a complaint does not mean an investigation has begun or wrongdoing has been found.
Newsweek reports David B. Wheeler’s response to Boebert’s denialUpdated September 21, 2026 at 11:47 a.m. EDT; paragraphs beginning “In a statement emailed to Newsweek by Wheeler on Sunday” through Wheeler’s filing-status statementWhy this label?
The case concerns alleged prohibited staff relationships and misuse of official or campaign funds. Wheeler rejects Boebert’s denial and maintains that the alleged conduct occurred, so the statement condemns the conduct under scrutiny. His evidentiary and investigation claims remain his assertions and are not treated as findings.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Lauren BoebertStatement conveyed by an unnamed representative for Rep. Boebert to TMZ; the representative's affiliation was not specifiedDirectly involved
Before this statement
Wheeler had published the complaint, Navarro Ratzlaff had denied allegations involving her, and Boebert had directly denied staff relationships to Sources Say News.
"Congresswoman Lauren Boebert rejects these allegations as utterly false and there is no truth to them whatsoever."
DeniedResponding to: Rep. Lauren Boebert engaged in sexual relationships with three House employees she supervised.
Full statement and sources
An unnamed representative for Boebert told TMZ that she rejected the complaint's allegations, which include alleged staff relationships and a disputed $200,000 payment, and characterized the complaint as politically motivated.
After the statement
TMZ later updated its article to report that Wheeler stood by his account and sourcing. The committee has not publicly announced a finding on the complaint.
TMZ reports Boebert representative's denial and Wheeler's responseSeptember 19, 2026; published 1:44 p.m. PDT, updated 3:16 p.m. PDT; paragraphs beginning “A rep for Boebert tells TMZ” and “In response to her denial”Why this label?
An unnamed representative speaking for Boebert calls the complaint’s allegations utterly false and says there is no truth to them. This is an explicit denial of the complaint’s allegations, not merely a dispute over wording.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Lauren BoebertU.S. representative for Colorado's 4th district; speaking directly to Sources Say NewsDirectly involved
Before this statement
Wheeler released a complaint alleging that Boebert had sexual relationships with three supervised employees. Clarice Navarro Ratzlaff had denied the allegations involving her.
"I have never, ever been in any inappropriate relationship, nor have I ever been sexually involved with any staff"
DeniedResponding to: Rep. Lauren Boebert engaged in sexual relationships with three House employees she supervised.
Full statement and sources
Boebert told Sources Say News that she had never been in an inappropriate relationship or been sexually involved with staff, denying Wheeler's allegations about staff relationships.
After the statement
An unnamed representative for Boebert later told TMZ that the complaint's allegations were false and politically motivated.
Sources Say News quotes Boebert denying staff-relationship allegationsSeptember 19, 2026; opening paragraph and Boebert quotation beginning “Well, I’m not a lesbian or bisexual”Why this label?
Boebert says she has never had an inappropriate or sexual relationship with staff, explicitly denying the alleged staff relationships. She does not address the separate payment allegation in this statement.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Clarice Navarro RatzlaffFormer district director in Boebert’s congressional officeDirectly involved Before this statement
The Colorado Times Recorder contacted Navarro about Wheeler’s complaint.
"These allegations regarding me are entirely false, defamatory, and beyond ridiculous. There is absolutely no truth to any part of this claim."
DeniedResponding to: Rep. Lauren Boebert engaged in sexual relationships with three House employees she supervised.
Full statement and sources
Navarro directly denies the complaint’s allegations about her in a text response to the Colorado Times Recorder.
After the statement
Her denial concerns the allegations about her and is not a response from Boebert.
Colorado Times Recorder reports complaint and Navarro’s denialNavarro text interview; Boebert office response paragraphWhy this label?
Navarro Ratzlaff says the allegations about her are entirely false and no part of the claim is true. This is an explicit denial limited to the allegations involving her.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
David B. WheelerComplainant; president of American MuckrakersDirectly involved Before this statement
Wheeler dated a complaint September 17 and released it publicly September 18.
"Complainant respectfully requests that the Committee accept this Complaint, establish an Investigative Subcommittee pursuant to Committee Rule 19, investigate the allegations herein, refer any evidence of criminal conduct to the Department of Justice and the Federal Election Commission as appropriate, and impose such sanctions as the Committee deems warranted."
CondemnedResponding to: Rep. Lauren Boebert engaged in sexual relationships with three House employees she supervised.
Full statement and sources
Wheeler’s complaint alleges prohibited relationships and financial misconduct and asks the House Ethics Committee to investigate and consider referrals.
After the statement
The request records Wheeler’s position; the House committee has not publicly confirmed accepting or investigating the submission.
David Wheeler’s redacted September 17, 2026 House ethics complaint and exhibitsPDF pp. 1–6 (complaint), pp. 7–34 (exhibits)American Muckrakers releases Boebert ethics complaintIntroduction; allegations; complaint downloadWhy this label?
Wheeler characterizes it as violations warranting investigation and possible sanctions.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(28)
Original text
David Wheeler’s redacted September 17, 2026 House ethics complaint and exhibits
Relevant passage: PDF pp. 1–6 (complaint), pp. 7–34 (exhibits)
About this source
Complainant-authored document published by the Colorado Times Recorder; documents the allegations and the complainant’s declaration, not committee acceptance or proof of the alleged conduct.
- Author
- David B. Wheeler
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Wheeler describes extensions in the Boebert protection-order case
Relevant passage: The record section, including the October 14 and 22 motions and October 25 order
About this source
Wheeler describes scheduling developments in the protection-order case and argues that delays increase his legal costs.
- Author
- David B. Wheeler
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
David B. Wheeler explains additions to the Boebert ethics complaint
Relevant passage: October 7, 2026 article, Addition 1: Jasmine B. Higgs and the family payroll; Additions 2 and 3
Excerpt
"If that pay is tied to a family relationship rather than to the duties, it violates the House rule"
About this source
Wheeler describes allegations he says he added to his complaint. He expressly says he does not know whether Higgs and Dylan Boebert are married. The publication verifies his account and requests for inquiry; it does not establish the allegations or House committee acceptance.
- Author
- David B. Wheeler
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Denver Gazette (Colorado Politics), September 23, 2026: Boebert blasts complaint alleging affairs with staff, 'hush money' payment
Relevant passage: Paragraph on Wheeler's written statements and cease-and-desist letter, late Tuesday
Excerpt
"The letter demands they issue corrections and retract statements accusing Wheeler of committing perjury by knowingly filing false statements in his complaint."
About this source
Colorado Politics report, published by the Denver Gazette. It says Wheeler sent a formal cease-and-desist letter to Boebert and her current staff late on Tuesday, September 22, and that the letter demands corrections and retractions of statements accusing him of perjury.
- Author
- Ernest Luning
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
New York Post, September 20, 2026: Rep. Lauren Boebert has simple response to sketchy claim she had sex with 3 staffers, including 2 women
Relevant passage: Paragraph after the report that Boebert's office called the claims utterly false
Excerpt
"Boebert has had a restraining order against the man behind the complaint, American Muckrakers' leader David Wheeler, since 2022."
About this source
New York Post report by Ryan King on the complaint and Boebert's response. The sentence on a restraining order since 2022 is the claim Wheeler disputes in his September 26 post.
- Author
- Ryan King
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
American Muckrakers, October 3, 2026: Seven Petitions, One Permanent Order: Rep. Lauren Boebert's Protection Order Habit
Relevant passage: Entry on June 2022, Garfield County (2022C30220), with the docket lines Wheeler reproduces
Excerpt
"2022C30220 | Boebert, Lauren Opal v. Wheeler, David 06/23/2022 Temporary Protection Order: Granted 06/30/2022 Return of Service 07/20/2022 Dismissed without Prejudice 07/20/2022 Temporary Protection Order: Vacated"
About this source
A post in the American Muckrakers newsletter, by Wheeler as its president, that lists seven protection-order petitions Boebert has filed since 2018. Wheeler discloses that he is the respondent in two of the cases. The docket lines are as Wheeler reproduces them. For the 2022 case he writes that he was served June 30 and that the judge dismissed the case and vacated the order.
- Author
- David B. Wheeler
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Congresswoman Boebert denies allegations in September 17 filing (Boebert's congressional office, revised release)
Relevant passage: Background section, first paragraph (the perjury sentence); the first-person statement is in the opening quoted paragraph
Excerpt
"I reject these baseless allegations as utterly false and there is no truth to them whatsoever."
About this source
The congressional office's revised release. The page keeps the original publication time of 8:49 p.m. EDT on September 20, 2026 and shows a last-modified time of 6:52 p.m. EDT on September 22. It replaces the September 20 version, which attributed its statement to a spokesperson and does not contain the sentence about perjury; that version is saved as an archive copy of its old address, which now redirects here. The revised release is issued in Boebert's name and quotes her directly.
- Author
- Office of Rep. Lauren Boebert
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
American Muckrakers, September 26, 2026: Lauren Boebert Called Me a Criminal. Here's What Actually Happened. I Need Your Support Now!
Relevant passage: Newsletter post, opening paragraph
Excerpt
"On September 17, I filed a sworn ethics complaint against Rep. Lauren Boebert with the House Ethics Committee. It isn't built on rumor. It's built on House disbursement records, FEC filings, text messages, and named sources who gave written statements."
About this source
A post in the American Muckrakers newsletter, signed by Wheeler as its president. It describes the September 17 ethics complaint, says Boebert answered by accusing him of a crime, gives his account of a 2022 Garfield County case, and says he sent Boebert a cease-and-desist letter on September 22. It also contains appeals for donations.
- Author
- David B. Wheeler
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
A Member of Congress Tried To Silence My Reporting. I'm still reporting. (American Muckrakers, October 2, 2026)
Relevant passage: Section on the October 1 hearing
Excerpt
"The court stated on the record that my reporting will not violate the temporary protection order."
About this source
Wheeler's own account of the October 1 hearing in Boebert v. Wheeler, Weld County Court Case No. 2026C1286. He writes that the court set briefing on his anti-SLAPP motion, that the temporary order stays in place until a November 16 hearing, and that he agreed not to tag Boebert in social media posts while the case is pending.
- Author
- David B. Wheeler
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Boebert critic files anti-SLAPP motion in bid to toss protection order (Denver Gazette, October 2, 2026)
Relevant passage: Paragraphs 1-2 and 5-9
Excerpt
"The judge left Boebert's temporary protection order in place until the next hearing in the case, scheduled for Nov. 16."
About this source
Colorado Politics reporting carried by the Denver Gazette. It reports that Wheeler filed a special motion to dismiss under Colorado's anti-SLAPP law on September 30, that Boebert appeared before Weld County Court Judge Dana Nichols on October 1 seeking a permanent protection order, that the judge left the temporary order in place until a November 16 hearing, and that a Boebert spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.
- Author
- Ernest Luning
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Rep. Lauren Boebert gets a protection order after she's accused of having sex with staffers
Relevant passage: Paragraphs on the protection order, and the paragraphs on Wheeler's sources and Jace Ratzlaff's polygraph
About this source
CBS Colorado reports that Boebert supplied a signed copy of a temporary protection order requiring Wheeler to avoid contact with her and stay at least 100 yards away. The same report quotes Wheeler saying that two sources have given statements and would testify, says Jace Ratzlaff, the ex-husband of one of the staffers, told CBS Colorado he is not one of Wheeler's sources, and describes a polygraph examination that Ratzlaff says he took voluntarily, administered by examiner Stephen Daniels of Proof Positive Testing. The structured page data gives September 24 at 8:02 p.m. Mountain time as the publication time; the page body shows an October 1 update.
- Author
- Shaun Boyd
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Boebert granted temporary restraining order against accuser in ethics complaint
Relevant passage: Opening paragraphs; Posted Sep. 24, 2026, 10:16 p.m. MDT; updated Sep. 25, 2026, 1:11 p.m. MDT.
About this source
KDVR reports that a Weld County judge granted Lauren Boebert a temporary restraining order against David Wheeler. The report was posted September 24 and updated September 25.
- Author
- Adam Rosen and Parker Gordon
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Colorado Times Recorder reports Jace Ratzlaff's response to the Boebert complaint
Relevant passage: Passage quoting Jace Ratzlaff, first via American Muckrakers' release and then by phone.
Excerpt
"I assumed this would eventually surface. I'll have no further comment on this topic."
About this source
Colorado Times Recorder reports two statements from Clarice Navarro Ratzlaff's ex-husband, Jace Ratzlaff: one included in American Muckrakers' release of the complaint, and a second obtained when the reporter reached him directly by phone, in which he declined to elaborate further.
- Author
- Erik Maulbetsch
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
American Muckrakers' X reply to Boebert's video statement
Excerpt
"Regarding my Committee on Ethics filing, the complaint was filed via the Ethics online public filing portal as allowed by their rules and then followed up with a more extensive complaint via email. All done according to the rules and accepted by the Committee. We're amending our Complaint tomorrow and in talks with several Members to sign a Rule 15 complaint."
About this source
David B. Wheeler's American Muckrakers X account replied directly to Boebert's September 20 video statement (quote-posted). The reply rebuts her characterization of the complaint, cites a defamation-suit ruling in his favor, defends the complaint's timing, and says the complaint is being amended and that Members are being asked to sign a Rule 15 complaint. It also lists several older, unrelated allegations against Boebert not corroborated here and outside this case's scope.
- Author
- David B. Wheeler
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Newsweek reports David B. Wheeler’s response to Boebert’s denial
Relevant passage: Updated September 21, 2026 at 11:47 a.m. EDT; paragraphs beginning “In a statement emailed to Newsweek by Wheeler on Sunday” through Wheeler’s filing-status statement
Excerpt
"All allegations will be proven with bank statements, text messages, emails, recordings, and witness testimony."
About this source
Newsweek directly quotes an emailed statement from complainant David B. Wheeler responding to Boebert’s denial. Wheeler asserts that evidence and testimony will prove his allegations and predicts an investigation. Newsweek states that it has not verified his claims, and Wheeler says the House Ethics Committee had not acknowledged his submission.
- Author
- Marni Rose McFall
- Published
- Accessed
Analysis
Douglas County analysis checks the Boebert complaint against public records
Relevant passage: Sections “What can be checked,” “One figure we could not find,” “What the complaint left out,” and “What cannot be checked”; updated September 21, 2026
Excerpt
"Nearly all of them match the record exactly. One does not appear in it at all."
About this source
The article compares campaign-payment figures in the complaint with FEC records. It reports that most figures match, that it could not locate the cited $4,148.20 Singer Island catering payment in the named campaign committee’s filings, and that the complaint’s date windows exclude other recount-related consulting payments. It distinguishes record-supported payments from the complaint’s disputed interpretation of their purpose.
- Author
- Jake Williamson III
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
American Muckrakers responds to Nancy Mace and proposes a televised debate
Excerpt
"Or, shall you and I debate my complaint allegations on live TV?"
About this source
American Muckrakers replied to Mace’s post, repeated questions premised on allegations in Wheeler’s complaint, and challenged Mace to debate the allegations on television. The post does not independently substantiate the allegations.
- Author
- American Muckrakers
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Nancy Mace urges Boebert and her staff to consider defamation claims
Excerpt
"I hope all of you have grounds to sue the sh*t out of this guy and anyone that spread this garbage."
About this source
Mace responded to Boebert’s video denial by urging Boebert and the employees named in the complaint to consult an attorney about possible defamation claims. The post expresses Mace’s view and does not establish whether any statement was defamatory.
- Author
- Nancy Mace
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Boebert’s office says there is “zero truth” to the House Ethics Committee allegations
Relevant passage: September 20 release; opening paragraphs and Background section.
Excerpt
"There is zero truth to these House Ethics Committee allegations."
About this source
Boebert’s congressional office rejects the complaint’s allegations, describes the filing as politically motivated, and discusses the House Ethics Committee’s complaint procedures. Those procedural and factual characterizations are attributed to the office, not treated as a committee determination.
- Author
- Office of Rep. Lauren Boebert
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Mediaite reports Lauren Boebert’s video response to ethics-complaint coverage
Relevant passage: Quoted video statement beginning “You all ran a smear...” and passage discussing House Ethics Committee complaint procedures.
Excerpt
"You all ran a smear and called it news."
About this source
Mediaite reports and quotes Boebert’s September 20 video response. It reports her characterization of the filing and press coverage; it does not establish whether the House Ethics Committee will accept or investigate the complaint.
- Author
- David Gilmour
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Lauren Boebert posts a video response to coverage of the ethics complaint
Rep. Lauren Boebert responds to news coverage of an ethics complaint, in a video posted to X on Sept. 20, 2026.
DI added its logo in the corner.
Video: Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert on X). Excerpt used for news reporting and commentary
Watch the full original video (opens in a new tab) (relevant passage: Full video attached to the post; response begins “You all ran a smear...”)
Excerpt
"Hey, “journalists!” This one’s for you:"
About this source
Boebert's X post attaches a video responding to coverage of a complaint filed with the House Ethics Committee. The direct post is the primary record; Mediaite independently reports and quotes the video's substantive statements. The complaint's allegations remain disputed.
- Author
- Lauren Boebert
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
David B. Wheeler responds on X to Boebert representative’s denial
Excerpt
"they are willing to give testimony under oath and provide documents without subpoena."
About this source
American Muckrakers account post signed DBW, directly responding to Boebert's representative's denial. Wheeler asserts that sources possess records and would provide testimony. The post does not include those records, identify witnesses, or establish that the House Ethics Committee has accepted the complaint.
- Author
- David B. Wheeler
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Matt Gaetz responds on X to allegation involving Boebert and Navarro
About this source
Gaetz quote-posted another user's repetition of a separate, unverified claim in Wheeler's public release involving Gaetz, Boebert and Navarro. Gaetz asked anyone claiming to have video to release it. The post does not explicitly deny the alleged encounter or address the complaint's principal staff-relationship and funding allegations.
- Author
- Matt Gaetz
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
American Muckrakers publishes screenshot of Jayson Boebert's response
Relevant passage: Embedded text-message screenshot immediately after “In response to our story, Jayson said the following” in “The allegations, by the numbers” section.
Excerpt
"I think it is all a fairy tale made up propaganda. I don't believe any of that. Bad sources."
About this source
Wheeler's post publishes a screenshot of a text exchange it attributes to Jayson Boebert. The screenshot shows a question about the alleged relationship and payment, followed by a response rejecting the allegations. The screenshot documents the attributed response, not whether the allegations are true.
- Author
- David B. Wheeler
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
TMZ reports Boebert representative's denial and Wheeler's response
Relevant passage: September 19, 2026; published 1:44 p.m. PDT, updated 3:16 p.m. PDT; paragraphs beginning “A rep for Boebert tells TMZ” and “In response to her denial”
About this source
TMZ's original reporting quotes an unnamed representative for Rep. Lauren Boebert rejecting the complaint's allegations and criticizing its motive. The updated article also quotes complainant David Wheeler responding to that denial. The representative's name and role are not specified.
- Author
- TMZ Staff
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Sources Say News quotes Boebert denying staff-relationship allegations
Relevant passage: September 19, 2026; opening paragraph and Boebert quotation beginning “Well, I’m not a lesbian or bisexual”
About this source
Juliegrace Brufke's original report attributes a direct denial of inappropriate or sexual relationships with staff to Rep. Lauren Boebert. The quoted denial concerns the alleged relationships.
- Author
- Juliegrace Brufke
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Colorado Times Recorder reports complaint and Navarro’s denial
Relevant passage: Navarro text interview; Boebert office response paragraph
Excerpt
"These allegations regarding me are entirely false, defamatory, and beyond ridiculous."
About this source
Original reporting with Navarro’s direct text denial; distinguishes earlier photographs and office reporting from evidence of an inappropriate relationship.
- Author
- Erik Maulbetsch
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
American Muckrakers releases Boebert ethics complaint
Relevant passage: Introduction; allegations; complaint download
About this source
Complainant’s public account of the complaint and its allegations; not independent corroboration of them.
- Author
- David B. Wheeler
- Published
- Accessed
Corrections
(4)
Corrections address errors in our reporting or labels. When a speaker changes their position, we add a separate statement and link it to the earlier one.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by David B. Wheeler
- Previous language
- The context said "Boebert's September 20 press release denied the allegations and said Wheeler "likely committed perjury and broke a federal law"."
- Corrected language
- The context now says Boebert's office revised its September 20 press release, which had attributed its denial to a spokesperson, and that the revised release, last modified on September 22, says Wheeler "also likely committed perjury and broke a federal law".
The September 20 version of the release, which an archive copy preserves, does not contain the sentence about perjury. The sentence appears in the revised release, which the page shows as last modified on September 22. The context attributed the sentence to the earlier release.
This corrects our account of what happened.
Boebert’s congressional office rejects the complaint’s allegations, describes the filing as politically motivated, and discusses the House Ethics Committee’s complaint procedures. Those procedural and factual characterizations are attributed to the office, not treated as a committee determination.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Jace Ratzlaff
- Previous language
- The summary said Ratzlaff "said Wheeler's claim that an ex-husband of a staff member is one of his sources is not true."
- Corrected language
- The summary now says Ratzlaff said he is not one of Wheeler's sources.
CBS Colorado reports that Ratzlaff denied being one of Wheeler's sources. It does not report that he denied that any staffer's ex-husband is a source. The title and rationale were revised to match.
This corrects our account of what happened.
CBS Colorado reports that Boebert supplied a signed copy of a temporary protection order requiring Wheeler to avoid contact with her and stay at least 100 yards away. The same report quotes Wheeler saying that two sources have given statements and would testify, says Jace Ratzlaff, the ex-husband of one of the staffers, told CBS Colorado he is not one of Wheeler's sources, and describes a polygraph examination that Ratzlaff says he took voluntarily, administered by examiner Stephen Daniels of Proof Positive Testing. The structured page data gives September 24 at 8:02 p.m. Mountain time as the publication time; the page body shows an October 1 update.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by David B. Wheeler
- Previous language
- The title said David B. Wheeler "says his two sources gave statements to the House Ethics Committee and would testify."
- Corrected language
- The title now says David B. Wheeler says his two sources would testify and their statements were provided to the House Ethics Committee.
Wheeler's quoted words say the statements were provided to the Committee without saying who provided them. The title and rationale made the sources the senders. The rationale now also states that Wheeler offers the statements in support of the allegations, that he names no sources and that CBS Colorado reports no Committee confirmation, and the context notes that we could not locate one.
This corrects our account of what happened.
CBS Colorado reports that Boebert supplied a signed copy of a temporary protection order requiring Wheeler to avoid contact with her and stay at least 100 yards away. The same report quotes Wheeler saying that two sources have given statements and would testify, says Jace Ratzlaff, the ex-husband of one of the staffers, told CBS Colorado he is not one of Wheeler's sources, and describes a polygraph examination that Ratzlaff says he took voluntarily, administered by examiner Stephen Daniels of Proof Positive Testing. The structured page data gives September 24 at 8:02 p.m. Mountain time as the publication time; the page body shows an October 1 update.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Jace Ratzlaff
- Previous language
- Reached by Colorado Times Recorder, Jace Ratzlaff, the ex-husband of Clarice Navarro Ratzlaff, said he assumed the matter would eventually surface but declined to comment further. Reached again by phone, he said divorce is painful, that he has children and is three years post-divorce, and that this is not his issue to address, declining to elaborate.
- Corrected language
- In a statement included in American Muckrakers' release of an ethics complaint against Rep. Lauren Boebert, Jace Ratzlaff, the ex-husband of former Boebert district director Clarice Navarro, said he assumed the matter would eventually surface and would have no further comment. Reached by phone by Colorado Times Recorder, he said divorce is painful, that he has children and is three years post-divorce, and that it is not his issue, and declined to elaborate.
We said Colorado Times Recorder reached Ratzlaff when he said he assumed the matter would eventually surface. The Colorado Times Recorder reports that this statement was included in American Muckrakers' release of the complaint, and that its reporter reached him by phone afterward. The summary now attributes each remark to the exchange in which he made it.
This corrects our account of what happened.
Colorado Times Recorder reports two statements from Clarice Navarro Ratzlaff's ex-husband, Jace Ratzlaff: one included in American Muckrakers' release of the complaint, and a second obtained when the reporter reached him directly by phone, in which he declined to elaborate further.
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Cite this record
- Publisher
- The Dispute Index
- Title
- Did Lauren Boebert have prohibited relationships with staff or misuse official or campaign funds?
- First published
- Last updated
- Permalink
- https://disputeindex.com/cases/lauren-boebert-house-ethics-complaint-staff-allegations
The Dispute Index. "Did Lauren Boebert have prohibited relationships with staff or misuse official or campaign funds?". First published: 2026-09-19. Last updated: 2026-10-19. https://disputeindex.com/cases/lauren-boebert-house-ethics-complaint-staff-allegations