LA Special Victims Bureau Investigating New Sexual Assault Claim Against Former Congressman Swalwell

Lonna Drewes, 50, alleges she was drugged and sexually assaulted by Swalwell in 2018

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:35am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, discarded condom against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the evidence in a sexual assault investigation.A discarded condom, a stark symbol of the alleged sexual assault, is the focus of this gritty, investigative image.West Hollywood Today

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has launched an investigation into a new sexual assault allegation against former Congressman Eric Swalwell. Lonna Drewes, 50, claims she was drugged and sexually assaulted by Swalwell in July 2018 at a business in West Hollywood. The case is being handled by the department's Special Victims Bureau, which focuses on investigating felonious sexual assaults involving adult victims.

Why it matters

This latest allegation adds to a growing number of recent claims of sexual misconduct made against Swalwell, raising further questions about his past behavior and the need for a thorough investigation. The case also highlights the importance of the Special Victims Bureau's work in handling sensitive cases of this nature.

The details

According to the sheriff's department, Drewes claims she met Swalwell under the impression she was developing a professional relationship tied to her fashion software business. She alleges that during their encounter in West Hollywood, she was drugged after consuming a spiked drink and later sexually assaulted, including claims of choking and rape. Drewes described the aftermath as deeply traumatic, saying she was left 'crying all the time'.

  • The alleged incident occurred in July 2018.

The players

Lonna Drewes

A 50-year-old woman who has filed a sexual assault claim against former Congressman Eric Swalwell.

Eric Swalwell

A former U.S. Congressman who is the subject of a new sexual assault investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency that is conducting an active investigation into the sexual assault allegation against Eric Swalwell.

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What they’re saying

“The aftermath was deeply traumatic, I was crying all the time.”

— Lonna Drewes

What’s next

Once the investigation is completed, the case will be forwarded to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for review and potential filing decisions.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thoroughly investigating all allegations of sexual misconduct, regardless of the accused individual's position or status. The involvement of the Special Victims Bureau underscores the sensitivity and seriousness with which these types of cases are handled.