Capitol Police are currently conducting an investigation after a sextape featuring two men was released by a right-wing website. The explicit video, which showcases a sexual encounter between Aidan Maese-Czeropski, a member of Democratic senator Ben Cardin's staff, and another man, was filmed in the dais of the judiciary room in a congressional hearing room. The video was initially revealed on The Daily Caller, a prominent right-wing news website that released the illicit footage. Prior to its release, rumors about the video had surfaced on another congressional conservative gossip site.

Following the incident, Aidan Maese-Czeropski was promptly fired from his position by Senator Cardin's office. In a brief statement, a spokesperson for the office announced, "Aidan Maese-Czeropski is no longer employed by the US Senate. We will have no further comment on this personnel matter." Meanwhile, on his LinkedIn profile, Maese-Czeropski defended himself, stating that he had been facing a difficult time. He wrote, "I have been attacked for who I love to pursue a political agenda. While some of my actions in the past have shown poor judgment, I love my job and would never disrespect my workplace." He also mentioned that he will be exploring legal options to address the fabricated attempts to tarnish his character.

The incident took place in a room that has hosted significant historical events, including the congressional hearings on the September 11, 2001 terror attacks and the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic person to sit on the Supreme Court. Most recently, former FBI director James Comey testified in this very room on Donald Trump's alleged involvement in Russian interference in the 2016 election.

However, Maese-Czeropski's legal troubles may not end with his termination. Jonathan Turley, an attorney and professor at George Washington University Law, suggested that he could potentially face prosecution. One possible charge could fall under local legislation governing "lewd, indecent, or obscene acts." Additionally, filming the sexual encounter within a government property could be seen as an act of purloining or misusing government property, according to Turley. The key factor in this case would be the intention to publish or share the video with others.

Sexual encounters within congressional offices, involving both members and staff, have long been known to occur on Capitol Hill. However, the fact that this incident took place in a public hearing room, even though it was closed at the time, and that the video was made with the apparent intent for public viewing, raises legal concerns. Disgraced former Republican congressman George Santos emphasized that the criticism received by Maese-Czeropski was not related to his sexuality but rather the act of having sex and filming it in a US government building.

As the investigation progresses, Maese-Czeropski not only faces potential legal consequences but also the aftermath of his actions being exposed to the public. Professor Turley highlighted the possibility of charges related to trespassing and the use of official areas for personal purposes. The question of whether the explicit acts can be considered "in public" will also be crucial in determining the legality of the situation. Furthermore, the use of the congressional space for commercial purposes, even if it does not generate revenue, may play a role in potential charges.

In the midst of the scandal, it has been revealed that Maese-Czeropski made supposedly salacious payments on Venmo, including transactions labeled as “Sexual favors” and "Strip dancers." These findings have added further scrutiny to his actions. However, The Washington Post was unable to reach Maese-Czeropski for comment regarding the matter.