Justice Department Investigates Eric Swalwell Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

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The US Department of Justice has opened an investigation into Eric Swalwell, the former California congressman who resigned amid multiple sexual misconduct allegations, according to a source familiar with the matter, as reported by The Guardian. The federal investigation comes days after Swalwell stepped down from Congress and suspended his campaign for California governor.

Separately, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office confirmed on Saturday that it is investigating a sexual assault allegation against Swalwell, according to BBC and other outlets. The Department of Homeland Security has also announced an investigation into allegations that Swalwell hired a Brazilian national as a nanny without lawful work authorization, as reported by The Guardian.

Swalwell, a Democrat who represented a district near San Francisco and was first elected in 2012, has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct, vowing to defend himself "with the facts."

Coverage Comparison

The story has been covered by multiple international outlets, including BBC, The Guardian, and the South China Morning Post, reflecting significant global interest in the case. The BBC's coverage focuses on the Manhattan district attorney's investigation and the allegations from four women, while The Guardian has provided more extensive reporting, including details of the Justice Department probe and the Department of Homeland Security inquiry.

The South China Morning Post, drawing on reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN, highlights the allegations of two nonconsensual sexual encounters reported by a former staffer and unwanted messages sent to three other women.

All outlets have reported that Swalwell denies the claims, but there is variation in the level of detail provided. The Guardian has included statements from Swalwell's lawyer, while BBC notes that representatives for Swalwell did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Key Claims

The allegations against Swalwell have emerged from multiple sources over the past week. The San Francisco Chronicle reported the account of an unnamed former staffer who said Swalwell sexually assaulted her on two occasions, once in 2019 and again in 2024 in New York, according to reports from BBC, The Guardian, and the South China Morning Post.

CNN published a similar account and reported claims from three other women who said Swalwell sent them unwanted sexual messages. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has urged anyone with knowledge of the allegations to contact its Special Victims Division.

A fourth accuser, Lonna Drewes, publicly came forward on Tuesday, saying Swalwell drugged and raped her in 2018, a claim reported by a single outlet (The Guardian) and not yet independently verified. Drewes spoke at a press conference in Beverly Hills, describing an incident in which she said she lost consciousness.

The Department of Homeland Security investigation stems from a complaint filed by Joel Gilbert, a California filmmaker, alleging that Swalwell and his wife employed a Brazilian national as a nanny without lawful work authorization. Gilbert, who has produced films attacking Democratic figures and promoting conservative causes, has denied being a Republican operative, according to The Guardian.

Perspectives

Swalwell's lawyer, Sara Azari, has stated that Swalwell "categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled against him." Swalwell himself has called the claims "false" and said he will defend himself "with the facts and where necessary bring legal action."

Several leading Democrats have urged Swalwell to end his gubernatorial campaign, and members of Congress from both parties have indicated they could vote to expel him, though he resigned before expulsion proceedings concluded, as reported by The Guardian.

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has emphasized a trauma-informed approach, stating: "Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner."

The Los Angeles Sheriff's Office and the LA District Attorney's Office have also said they are investigating the 2018 allegation made by Drewes, according to The Guardian.

As of this writing, the Department of Justice has not publicly commented on its investigation, and the Department of Homeland Security has announced its inquiry but provided no further details. Swalwell has not commented publicly on the federal investigations.

This is a developing story. The allegations are serious, and the investigations are ongoing. Swalwell maintains his innocence, and the legal process will determine the outcome.