The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department announced on Tuesday that it has initiated an investigation regarding allegations that former Rep. Eric Swalwell raped model Lonna Drewes in a hotel room in West Hollywood in July 2018.
Earlier, at a press conference in LA, Drewes emotionally recounted her belief that Swalwell had drugged her before choking and assaulting her.
“He invited me to two public events. I was aware he was married and that his wife was expecting,” Drewes mentioned to the media. “I considered him a friend. On the third occasion, I think he tampered with my drink. I only had one glass of wine.”
“We were meant to attend a political event, and he [Swalwell] claimed he needed to retrieve documents from his hotel room,” Drewes explained.
“Upon arriving at his hotel room, I found myself already incapacitated, unable to move my arms or body,” Drewes stated.
“He sexually assaulted me.”
“He also choked me, and during that moment, I lost consciousness and thought I was going to die,” Drewes said. “I did not agree to any sexual engagement.”
High-profile attorney Lisa Bloom stated during the press conference that she would be submitting a police report outlining the allegations against Swalwell, a presidential hopeful in 2020 who has faced accusations of sexual misconduct from multiple other women.
Swalwell, aged 45, is also currently under criminal scrutiny by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in New York City concerning another claimed assault.
“The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Bureau is looking into a report involving a female adult who stated she was sexually assaulted by Eric Swalwell,” the department communicated in a statement.
“The inquiry is still in its initial phases and continues. Investigators are working to collect information, evaluate available evidence, and perform follow-up questions as part of a thorough investigative procedure,” they added.
“Once the investigation is finalized, the case will be submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for potential action.”
Drewes’ press meeting took place a few hours before Swalwell’s congressional resignation, which had been announced on Monday, took effect.
Bloom remarked, “We will not cease until we secure justice for Lonna.”
“I want to address Mr. Swalwell directly: Your recent comment — suggesting you’re simply imperfect and not a saint — is nothing more than rhetoric and evasion. Cease this,” Bloom stated.
“Your assertion that this is merely a private issue between you and your spouse is absurd, considering it undermines the victims,” the attorney remarked.
Swalwell has, in recent public comments, denied any legal wrongdoing, despite acknowledging certain unspecified “errors” he claims to have made.
His lawyer, Sara Azari, in a Tuesday statement, asserted, “Congressman Eric Swalwell categorically and unequivocally rejects every accusation of sexual misconduct and assault directed at him.”
“These claims are untrue, manufactured, and gravely offensive — a calculated and open political attack meant to damage the reputation of a man who has dedicated twenty years to public service,” Azari stated. “The timing, character, and coordinated nature of these abhorrent and detestable accusations speak volumes. This is not about justice or truth. This is an unrelenting and unrepentant effort to tarnish Congressman Swalwell.”
“We will contest these despicable and unfounded claims with the same determination, courage, and conviction that has characterized the Congressman’s service,” his attorney mentioned.
Swalwell, who shares three children with his spouse, suspended his campaign for California governor on Sunday and the following day announced he would resign from his position in the House of Representatives.
In his resignation announcement on Monday, Swalwell expressed, “I deeply regret my past judgments that have affected my family, staff, and constituents. I will defend against the serious, false allegations directed at me.”
“Nevertheless, I must acknowledge and accept responsibility for the mistakes I did make,” Swalwell stated.
