The Department of Justice has launched an investigation into Eric Swalwell following his abrupt departure from Congress, according to a source familiar with the matter. The federal probe arrives as multiple women have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against the California Democrat.
Swalwell resigned from his House seat after serving seven terms, abandoning his bid to replace Governor Gavin Newsom in next year's gubernatorial race. The decision followed reporting by the San Francisco Chronicle about an unnamed former staffer who alleged Swalwell sexually assaulted her on two separate occasions in 2019 when she was intoxicated and unable to consent. She was 21 years old at the time she was hired to his office.
CNN subsequently published accounts from three additional women who said Swalwell had sent them unsolicited sexual messages. The revelations intensified when Lonna Drewes publicly identified herself at a Beverly Hills press conference, claiming Swalwell drugged and raped her in 2018. Drewes stated that Swalwell choked her and caused her to lose consciousness.
The Justice Department has not issued any public statement about its investigation. Swalwell's attorney, Sara Azari, responded to earlier allegations with a written statement denying all charges. "He categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled against him," Azari said. The lawyer did not immediately address questions about the federal probe.
Multiple law enforcement agencies are now examining the allegations. The Los Angeles sheriff's office launched an investigation into the 2018 claims, while the LA district attorney's sex crimes division said it was coordinating with other law enforcement officials. The Manhattan district attorney's office also announced it was investigating a sexual assault allegation against Swalwell.
Swalwell announced his resignation on the heels of facing potential expulsion from Congress. In his statement, he acknowledged making "mistakes in judgment" but said he would "fight the serious false allegation made against me." He apologized to his family, staff, and constituents but maintained his intention to contest what he called false accusations.
Author James Rodriguez: "The speed at which this unraveled, from campaign frontrunner to federal investigation in days, shows how seriously law enforcement is treating these allegations."
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