Federal Agents Investigate Former Rep. Eric Swalwell for Alleged Misconduct

Federal agents have taken electronic devices from former Representative Eric Swalwell and conducted a search of his Washington residence. This action is part of a probe into accusations of sexual misconduct against him. An anonymous source, who is familiar with the situation and not authorized to speak publicly, provided this information.

The agents seized Swalwell’s devices at the San Francisco airport on Saturday, and the following day, they executed a search warrant at his home. Swalwell’s attorney has not provided a comment regarding these developments. The Daily Mail initially reported the seizure.

Swalwell, a Democratic congressman from California, resigned from Congress in April. This followed accusations of sexual assault against him by multiple women, including incidents that allegedly occurred while they worked for him. The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN have documented these allegations. Reports suggest three other women have claimed he sent them unsolicited explicit messages or photos.

Swalwell was a prominent figure in California’s political landscape and was considered a contender for the state’s gubernatorial race. These allegations led to his withdrawal from the race. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office confirmed an investigation into claims that Swalwell raped a former staffer at a New York City hotel during a charity gala in 2024. In a statement, the DA’s office urged anyone with knowledge of the situation to contact their Special Victims Division.

Attorney Arick Fudali, representing Lonna Drewes—a woman who claims Swalwell raped her in 2018, stated his team is cooperating with law enforcement. Drewes recounted her experience at a news conference shortly after Swalwell’s exit from the governor’s race, detailing the alleged incident at a Southern California hotel.

Swalwell, elected in 2012, represented a district east of San Francisco. Although he announced a presidential bid in 2019, he ended his campaign after failing to secure significant support. Notably, Swalwell was a principal critic of former Republican President Donald Trump during Trump’s tenure. He served on the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees and was involved in Trump’s second impeachment following the Capitol attack in 2021.

Swalwell lost his position on the Intelligence Committee in 2023, when House Speaker Kevin McCarthy removed him due to his previous contact with Christine Fang, a suspected Chinese spy. Fang had connected with Swalwell’s campaign and participated in fundraising efforts. Federal investigators alerted Swalwell and Congress about Fang in 2015. Swalwell stated he severed contact with her following the briefing. The House Ethics Committee concluded its investigation without taking action.

Associated Press reporters Michael R. Sisak and Olga Rodriguez also contributed to this report.