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LA Prosecutors Join Investigation of Alleged Swalwell Rape
District Attorney's office assigns sex crimes division to work with law enforcement on high-profile case.
Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:26pm
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A hotel key card, a potential piece of physical evidence, is the focus of the investigation into the alleged rape of a former model by a disgraced politician.West Hollywood TodayThe Los Angeles District Attorney's office has assigned a prosecutor from its Sex Crimes Division to work closely with the LA Sheriff's Department on the criminal investigation into allegations that former Congressman Eric Swalwell drugged and raped Lonna Drewes at a West Hollywood hotel in 2018. Drewes, a former model, presented evidence including texts, photos, and journal entries to support her claims.
Why it matters
The involvement of the DA's office signals the seriousness with which authorities are treating the allegations against the once-rising political star. Swalwell has already withdrawn from the California governor's race and resigned from Congress amid the growing scandal.
The details
Lonna Drewes, 50, says Swalwell drugged, choked and raped her at the Montrose West Hollywood hotel on July 18, 2018. She claims the attack occurred after Swalwell asked her to meet him at the hotel under the pretense of attending a political event. Drewes says she was already incapacitated when she arrived at Swalwell's hotel room and could not move her arms. She alleges Swalwell then raped and choked her, causing her to lose consciousness.
- Drewes says the alleged attack occurred on July 18, 2018.
- Drewes delivered evidence to the West Hollywood sheriff's station on April 15, 2026.
- The LA District Attorney's office announced its involvement in the investigation on April 15, 2026.
The players
Lonna Drewes
A 50-year-old former model who has accused former Congressman Eric Swalwell of drugging and raping her at a West Hollywood hotel in 2018.
Eric Swalwell
A disgraced former U.S. Representative who has been accused of rape and other heinous crimes by multiple women, leading to the end of his political career.
Nathan Hochman
The Los Angeles District Attorney who has assigned prosecutors from the Sex Crimes Division to work with law enforcement on the investigation into the allegations against Swalwell.
Robert Luna
The Los Angeles County Sheriff whose department is investigating the rape allegations against Swalwell.
What they’re saying
“Our office has assigned our Sex Crimes Division to work closely with law enforcement partners as this investigation unfolds.”
— Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles District Attorney
“When and if a case is presented, seasoned prosecutors will review the facts and evidence to determine whether there is sufficient evidence for charges to be filed.”
— Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles District Attorney
What’s next
Investigators will continue to work with the LA District Attorney's office to review the evidence presented by Lonna Drewes and determine if criminal charges will be filed against Eric Swalwell.
The takeaway
The involvement of the LA District Attorney's office in this high-profile investigation signals that authorities are taking the rape allegations against the former Congressman very seriously. The scandal has already destroyed Swalwell's political career, and the outcome of this case could have significant legal consequences for him.
