Federal, state investigations expand as multiple accusers come forward with detailed claims spanning several years.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into sexual assault allegations involving former California congressman Eric Swalwell, according to reports by The Hill and The New York Post.
The federal inquiry follows additional investigations initiated by prosecutors in both Los Angeles and Manhattan, as allegations from multiple women have surfaced in recent days.
Swalwell, a Democrat, has resigned from Congress and withdrawn from California’s gubernatorial race amid the growing legal scrutiny.
At least five women have publicly accused Swalwell of sexual assault. One of the accusers, identified as Lonna Drews, spoke during a press conference in Beverly Hills earlier this week, describing an alleged encounter that she said took place in 2018.
Drews, who is represented by attorney Lisa Bloom, said she had contact with Swalwell on multiple occasions before the alleged incident.
“In 2018, while I was living and working as a model in Beverly Hills, and I also owned a fashion software company, I had contact with Eric Swalwell on three separate occasions,” Drews said.
“I knew he was married at the time and that his wife was pregnant. He was my friend. On the third occasion, I believe he drugged my drink,” she said.
Drews alleged that she lost consciousness during the encounter and did not consent to any sexual activity.
“He raped me, and he choked me. And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness. And I thought I died. I did not consent to any sexual activity,” she said. “I would never have engaged in a consensual sexual encounter with Eric Swalwell.”
Bloom said prior to the press conference that additional individuals had come forward.
“I represent a brave Eric Swalwell accuser. Her disturbing story is forthcoming. We call upon him to resign from Congress and the governor’s race, and we will cooperate with authorities in their investigation,” Bloom said, adding that three more women had contacted her within a 24-hour period with allegations.
Following the Beverly Hills event, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office opened its own investigation into the claims.
Separately, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is also reviewing allegations involving a former staff member who said she was assaulted by Swalwell. The woman told CNN she was first assaulted in 2019 while working for him and later reported another incident in 2024 after her employment ended.
“I went to the bathroom, and I don’t remember anything after that,” the former staffer said. “I can see flashes of that evening of him on top of me, me pushing him off, him grabbing me. It was a lot more aggressive. It was aggressive.”
Authorities have not announced any charges at this time. Investigations at the federal and state levels remain ongoing as officials review the allegations and gather evidence.
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