L.A. County Prosecutors Consider Charges in Eric Swalwell Investigation
Los Angeles County prosecutors are currently reviewing sexual assault allegations against former Representative Eric Swalwell, following an investigation by the Sheriff's Department's Special Victims Bureau. The case was transferred to the District Attorney’s Office sex crimes unit on September 21, 2026, for consideration of charges.
The allegations, brought forward by Lonna Drewes, a former model and fashion software company owner, claim that Swalwell drugged, sexually assaulted, and choked her during an encounter in 2018. These claims were publicly presented during a news conference in Los Angeles in April 2026.
The District Attorney’s Office has emphasized that the referral is a standard procedure and does not imply any determination of guilt. Swalwell's defense attorney, Sara Azari, stated, “We welcome a fair, independent review, and we are confident it will vindicate him.”
In addition to the local investigation, federal authorities are also involved. In August 2026, the FBI conducted a search of Swalwell’s residence in Washington, D.C., seizing electronic devices as part of a broader inquiry into potential civil rights violations. This federal investigation is examining whether Swalwell used his official position to infringe on constitutional rights.
Swalwell resigned from Congress and suspended his campaign for California governor in April 2026, following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct reported by various media outlets, including the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN.