Former Rep. Swalwell Faces Rape Investigation in Los Angeles

The inquiry follows a public statement by a fifth accuser who alleges the former congressman drugged and assaulted her in West Hollywood.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:54am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled hotel room key card, the texture and material details highlighted by dramatic lighting, conveying a sense of the serious, investigative nature of the case.The hotel room key card at the center of a criminal investigation into alleged sexual assault by a former U.S. Congressman.Beverly Hills Today

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has opened a criminal investigation into former Congressman Eric Swalwell following allegations that he drugged and raped a Beverly Hills woman in a West Hollywood hotel room in 2018. The announcement comes after a fifth accuser, Lonna Drewes, detailed the alleged assault during a news conference alongside her attorney Lisa Bloom. Swalwell, who recently resigned from Congress and ended his gubernatorial campaign, denies the accusations, calling them 'false, fabricated, and deeply offensive'.

Why it matters

The investigation into Swalwell, a former presidential contender, represents the fifth formal accusation of sexual misconduct against him. The allegations raise concerns about potential abuse of power and the need for accountability, especially among public officials.

The details

Lonna Drewes, a former model and software entrepreneur, testified that she met the 45-year-old politician in 2018 under the guise of professional networking. She alleged that during their third meeting, she became incapacitated after consuming a single glass of wine and was subsequently assaulted in Swalwell's hotel room. Drewes stated that fear of Swalwell's political influence prevented her from coming forward sooner. In addition to the California investigation, Swalwell remains the subject of a criminal probe by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office regarding a separate alleged assault in New York City.

  • The alleged assault occurred in 2018 in a West Hollywood hotel room.
  • Drewes publicly detailed the allegations on April 15, 2026.
  • Swalwell's resignation from Congress became effective on April 15, 2026.
  • Swalwell ended his gubernatorial campaign on April 14, 2026.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A former U.S. Congressman who is the subject of a criminal investigation into allegations of rape and sexual misconduct.

Lonna Drewes

A former model and software entrepreneur who has accused Swalwell of drugging and assaulting her in a West Hollywood hotel room in 2018.

Lisa Bloom

The attorney representing Lonna Drewes in the case against Swalwell.

Nathan Hochman

The Los Angeles County District Attorney who announced the opening of a criminal investigation into the allegations against Swalwell.

Sara Azari

The attorney representing Eric Swalwell, who has denied the accusations as 'false, fabricated, and deeply offensive'.

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What they’re saying

“'I was so incapacitated, I couldn't move my arms,'”

— Lonna Drewes, Accuser

“These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive — a calculated and transparent political hit job designed to destroy the reputation of a man who has spent nearly twenty years in public service.”

— Sara Azari, Attorney for Eric Swalwell

What’s next

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has assigned a deputy district attorney to investigate the allegations against Swalwell. Drewes' attorney, Lisa Bloom, has indicated that her firm plans to coordinate with other accusers as they move forward with a formal police report in Los Angeles. Swalwell also remains the subject of a separate criminal probe by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

The takeaway

The investigation into Swalwell highlights the growing scrutiny and accountability around allegations of sexual misconduct, especially involving public officials. The case underscores the need for thorough investigations and due process to ensure justice for all parties involved.