The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has confirmed its Sex Crimes Division is actively investigating sexual misconduct allegations against former U.S. Congressman Eric Swalwell.
Law enforcement sources indicate the probe stems from detailed accusations by Lonna Drewes, a former model turned fashion technology professional, who alleges Swalwell assaulted her in 2018 at a West Hollywood location. Drewes publicly stated at a Tuesday press conference that Swalwell offered career advancement opportunities before allegedly drugging, choking, and raping her.
"Fear kept me silent for years," Drewes told reporters, explaining she felt intimidated by Swalwell's political influence, legal background, and law enforcement connections.
Attorney Lisa Bloom, representing Drewes, confirmed her client has filed a formal police report with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Bloom stated the submission includes what she described as supporting evidence: text messages, personal journal entries, and photographs.
The Sheriff's Department acknowledged the investigation is "ongoing" though still in preliminary stages, with detectives currently gathering evidence and conducting interviews.
No criminal charges have been filed against Swalwell at this time. The District Attorney's office emphasized prosecutors will ultimately determine whether collected evidence meets legal thresholds for prosecution.
Separately, the U.S. House Ethics Committee announced on April 13 it has opened its own investigation into the allegations against the former congressman, adding another layer of scrutiny to the developing situation.