DOJ Opens Investigation into Eric Swalwell Following Sexual Assault Allegations
The United States Department of Justice has initiated a formal investigation into former Democratic representative Eric Swalwell, according to sources familiar with the matter. This federal probe comes shortly after Swalwell's abrupt resignation from Congress, which followed multiple allegations of sexual misconduct that have surfaced in recent weeks.
Resignation Amid Growing Scandal
Eric Swalwell, a seven-term representative from California who was considered a frontrunner to replace Gavin Newsom as governor, suspended his gubernatorial campaign and subsequently resigned from Congress after the San Francisco Chronicle published disturbing accounts from a former staffer. The unnamed woman alleged that Swalwell sexually assaulted her on two separate occasions when she was too intoxicated to provide consent.
CNN later published similar allegations from three additional women who claimed Swalwell had sent them unwanted sexual messages. The situation escalated dramatically when Lonna Drewes, another alleged victim, publicly came forward with her account at a press conference in Beverly Hills.
Multiple Law Enforcement Investigations
The Department of Justice investigation represents just one of several ongoing probes into Swalwell's conduct. The Los Angeles Sheriff's Office confirmed this week that it is investigating the 2018 allegations made by Drewes, who claims Swalwell drugged and raped her, choking her to the point where she lost consciousness and believed she had died.
Additionally, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office has confirmed that its sex crimes division is actively working with law enforcement on the case. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office announced over the weekend that it too is investigating a separate sexual assault allegation against the former congressman.
Swalwell's Response and Legal Position
In his resignation statement, Swalwell expressed deep regret to his family, staff, and constituents for what he described as "mistakes in judgment" from his past. He vowed to fight what he called "serious false allegations" while taking responsibility for his actual mistakes.
Sara Azari, Swalwell's attorney, issued a statement earlier this week declaring that her client "categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled against him." Azari did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the Department of Justice investigation when contacted on Thursday.
Political Fallout and Congressional Pressure
Swalwell's resignation came as he faced the imminent threat of expulsion from Congress. First elected in 2012, the representative had built a significant political career that now lies in ruins following the cascade of allegations. The woman who spoke to the Chronicle detailed how Swalwell began pursuing her soon after she was hired in 2019 at age 21, describing two separate incidents of sexual assault when she was incapacitated by intoxication.
The Department of Justice has not made any public statements regarding its investigation, maintaining its standard policy of not commenting on ongoing probes. This federal investigation adds another layer of legal scrutiny to a case that has already drawn attention from multiple law enforcement agencies across different jurisdictions.
