Former Representative Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress on Tuesday as the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed a criminal investigation into a new allegation of sexual assault.
The accuser, Lonna Drewes, appeared at a news conference with her attorneys to detail an incident she says occurred in a West Hollywood hotel room in July 2018.
During the press conference, Drewes alleged that Swalwell drugged her drink during their third meeting, which she believed was a business discussion regarding her software company.
“He raped me, and he choked me,” Drewes stated. “And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness. I thought I died.” She noted that she was aware Swalwell was married with a pregnant wife at the time and viewed him strictly as a friend and professional connection.
READ: California Rep. Eric Swalwell Faces Graphic New Rape Allegation As Resignation Looms
Drewes explained that she felt “incapacitated” after a glass of wine and was led to the hotel room under the impression they were picking up paperwork for a political event.
She stated she did not report the incident in 2018 due to fear of Swalwell’s political influence and law enforcement ties, but noted she disclosed the assault to confidants and documented it in a handwritten calendar and later in therapy.
Swalwell’s attorney, Sara Azari, issued a statement Tuesday afternoon firmly denying the claims.
“These accusations are false, fabricated and deeply offensive — a calculated and transparent political hit job,” Azari said. While Swalwell has previously admitted to “mistakes” in his personal life, he maintains that any allegations of assault are “flat false.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Bureau is currently in the preliminary stages of the investigation. District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman confirmed that the Sex Crimes Division is working with law enforcement to determine if there is sufficient evidence for formal charges.
This latest report follows a wave of misconduct allegations against the California Democrat, who until recently was a top contender for the governorship.
READ: Swalwell Under Fire: DHS Probes Allegations of Illegal Nanny Hire, Misused Campaign Funds
Other accusations include reports from a former staffer alleging two instances of assault while intoxicated, and claims from other women regarding unsolicited explicit photos and non-consensual public kissing. Investigations have also been initiated or considered by the Manhattan District Attorney and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.
In his resignation announcement, Swalwell apologized to his family for past “mistakes in judgment” but vowed to fight the criminal allegations in court. Drewes’ attorney, Lisa Bloom, confirmed her client is fully cooperating with the ongoing police investigation.
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