A California woman has come forward with new allegations of sexual assault against former Rep. Eric Swalwell, adding to a growing number of claims that have triggered multiple investigations and significant political fallout.
The accuser, identified as Lonna Drewes, alleges that Swalwell raped her in 2018 after she was invited to meet him and later accompanied him to a hotel room.
At a news conference in Beverly Hills, California, Drewes, a model who works in fashion technology, alleged that the lawmaker lured her in 2018 with a promise to take her to a political event before drugging and sexually assaulting her.
According to her account, she believes her drink may have been tampered with before the alleged assault, which she says left her unconscious.
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The New York Times continues:
The New York Times has not confirmed her account. Ms. Drewes said she told people close to her about the episode at the time it happened, but her attorneys did not make any of them available for comment on Tuesday, saying that they planned to share evidence with law enforcement.
“My delay in taking action against Eric was driven by fear, not doubt,” Ms. Drewes said on Tuesday. “Fear of his political power, his background as an attorney, and his family law enforcement ties.”
Mr. Swalwell, who is married with three young children, has vigorously denied engaging in sexual misconduct but has apologized for “mistakes in judgment.”
On Tuesday, Sara Azari, a lawyer representing him, said that he “categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled against him.”
After Drewes’ allegations became public, Swalwell’s office announced his resignation would take effect at 2 p.m. Eastern.
With multiple accusers now on record and at least one criminal investigation underway, legal experts say any potential case against Swalwell will hinge on corroborating evidence, timelines, and witness testimony.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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