New Accuser Levels "Drugging and Rape" Allegations Against Eric Swalwell Following Shock Resignation
BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Just hours after Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress in a bid to escape a looming expulsion vote, a new and devastating allegation has surfaced that shifts the scandal from political misconduct to potential criminal prosecution.
On Tuesday, Lonna Drewes, a fashion tech entrepreneur and former model, held an emotional press conference in Beverly Hills to detail what she described as a "violent sexual encounter" with the former California Representative in 2018.
The Alleged 2018 Assault
Drewes, represented by high-profile attorney Lisa Bloom, alleges that she met Swalwell socially and that he repeatedly offered to leverage his political connections to assist her software company.
The Incident: Drewes claims she had one glass of wine before her limbs felt heavy and she became "incapacitated." She stated, "I believe he drugged my drink."
The Violence: She alleges Swalwell took her to his hotel room under the pretext of grabbing paperwork. Once inside, she claims he raped her and choked her until she lost consciousness.
The Aftermath: "I thought I died," Drewes told reporters. "I did not consent to any sexual activity."
Evidence and Criminal Reporting
Unlike previous anonymous claims, Drewes is moving forward with a formal report to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office. Bloom confirmed that the legal team is handing over contemporaneous evidence to law enforcement, including:
Journal entries from 2018 documenting the incident.
Text messages between Drewes and Swalwell.
Medical records and witness information from individuals she confided in at the time.
A Career in Ruins
The announcement marks a "worst-case scenario" for Swalwell, whose political career has collapsed with stunning speed. In the last 72 hours:
Gubernatorial Exit: Swalwell suspended his 2026 campaign for California Governor.
Congressional Resignation: He submitted his resignation to the House Clerk, effective immediately as of 2:00 PM Tuesday.
Ethics Probe: The House Ethics Committee launched a formal investigation into separate claims involving a former staffer, which has now been effectively shuttered by his resignation.
Swalwell’s Defense
Swalwell has maintained a stance of total denial regarding the assault claims.
"These accusations are... a calculated and transparent political hit job designed to destroy the reputation of a man who has spent nearly twenty years in public service," Azari wrote.
While Swalwell has admitted to "unspecified mistakes in judgment" regarding his personal life, he maintains that the criminal allegations are a complete fiction.
