Rep. Luna Warns of Potential Jail Time for Swalwell After Misconduct Allegations

Congresswoman says evidence could put former Rep. Swalwell in legal trouble following resignation from Congress.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:26pm

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A moody, cinematic painting of a lone figure sitting in a dimly lit office, the warm light and deep shadows creating a contemplative, melancholic atmosphere that reflects the gravity of the political scandal.The somber mood of a political scandal casts a long shadow over the halls of power.Manhattan Today

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., is warning that former Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., could face "serious criminal problems" and potential jail time following sexual misconduct allegations that led to his resignation from Congress. Luna said she has evidence that could put Swalwell in legal jeopardy, including an alleged video, and accused the media of not reporting on Swalwell's behavior that was known on Capitol Hill. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office confirmed it is investigating the allegations against Swalwell.

Why it matters

The allegations against Swalwell and Luna's warnings about potential criminal charges raise concerns about misconduct by elected officials and the need for thorough investigations, even of high-profile political figures. The case also highlights the role of the media in reporting on such allegations and the potential consequences for those accused of wrongdoing.

The details

According to Rep. Luna, Swalwell's resignation was an attempt to avoid an immediate expulsion vote she was prepared to trigger. Luna said she has evidence, including what she described as an authentic video, that could put Swalwell in legal trouble. One of Swalwell's accusers, Lonna Drewes, held a press conference and described her allegations, claiming Swalwell "drugged" her drink and "raped" and "choked" her during a third meeting. Drewes said she did not undergo a rape kit at the time but told people close to her and documented the events. Luna argued Swalwell's behavior was well known on Capitol Hill and accused the media of not reporting on it more closely before the latest allegations.

  • On April 14, 2026, Rep. Luna warned that Swalwell could face "serious criminal problems" and potential jail time following the sexual misconduct allegations.
  • On April 18, 2026, one of Swalwell's accusers, Lonna Drewes, held a press conference and described her allegations against him.

The players

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna

A Republican Congresswoman from Florida who warned that former Rep. Eric Swalwell could face "serious criminal problems" and potential jail time following sexual misconduct allegations.

Rep. Eric Swalwell

A former Democratic Congressman from California who resigned from Congress amid mounting sexual misconduct allegations, including from Lonna Drewes who accused him of drugging, raping, and choking her.

Lonna Drewes

One of Swalwell's accusers who held a press conference and described her allegations that he "drugged" her drink and "raped" and "choked" her during a third meeting.

Manhattan District Attorney's Office

The New York City district attorney's office that confirmed it is investigating the allegations against Swalwell.

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What they’re saying

“I do think that he has serious criminal problems on his hands, and I do think that he might end up in jail.”

— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, Congresswoman

“He raped me. And he choked me.”

— Lonna Drewes

What’s next

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office confirmed it is investigating the allegations against Swalwell and urged survivors and anyone with knowledge of the allegations to contact its Special Victims Division.

The takeaway

The allegations against Swalwell and the potential for criminal charges highlight the need for thorough investigations into misconduct by elected officials, even high-profile figures, and the importance of the media in reporting on such allegations. The case also raises questions about the accountability of those in power and the consequences they may face for abuses of that power.