The swift unraveling of Eric Swalwell’s political career continues, now shadowed by disturbing allegations and mounting investigations. Once a rising star in the Democratic party, and a former presidential hopeful, Swalwell abruptly resigned from Congress and abandoned his bid for California governor this week, facing a cascade of accusations ranging from sexual misconduct to rape.
A crucial detail has emerged connecting Swalwell to a former model’s claim of sexual assault. Campaign finance records reveal two payments made by his 2018 re-election campaign to the Montrose hotel in West Hollywood – totaling $361.18 on July 18, 2018. This is the same location Los Angeles deputies confirmed after speaking with Lonna Drewes, who alleges she was sexually assaulted by Swalwell at that very hotel in July 2018.
Drewes, a former model and software entrepreneur, publicly described a harrowing encounter. She stated they were ostensibly heading to a political event, but Swalwell insisted on retrieving paperwork from his hotel room. She claims she was already significantly impaired when they arrived, and alleges she was then raped and choked, losing consciousness during the assault. “I thought I died,” she stated, unequivocally asserting she did not consent to any sexual activity.
These allegations echo claims made by another woman regarding an incident in New York City earlier this year. That accuser, a former staffer, alleges she was sexually assaulted after a gala while in a state of extreme intoxication, recalling only fragmented memories of the night and specifically remembering saying “no” to Swalwell.
Legal experts are closely watching the unfolding situation. Donna Rotunno, a Chicago-based trial attorney specializing in sex assault cases, noted the similarities between these allegations and those leveled against Harvey Weinstein. She emphasized the potential severity of the case, particularly given the alleged presence of incapacitation.
Rotunno highlighted a critical legal nuance: testimony about a victim’s initial disclosure of an assault – known as “outcry” – is admissible in court, even if the initial report wasn’t made to law enforcement. The New York accuser also sought medical attention, obtaining records related to pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, adding another layer to her account.
Investigations are now underway on both coasts. The FBI, prompted by a direct challenge from Director Kash Patel, has urged potential witnesses and victims to come forward. Simultaneously, the House Ethics Committee has launched its own probe into the allegations of sexual misconduct. Manhattan prosecutors are actively seeking additional witnesses and victims, offering support through their Special Victims Division.
Swalwell has vehemently denied all allegations, stating he will “fight” the claims, but insisted this was a personal battle, not one for a campaign. However, the mounting evidence and the gravity of the accusations have already forced him to step down from public life, leaving a once-promising career in ruins.
The legal battles ahead are expected to be fierce. Defense strategies will likely center on questions of consent, particularly in cases involving intoxication. But as Rotunno pointed out, juries can relate to the complexities of such scenarios, and the law recognizes that even impaired individuals can still consent – or not consent – to sexual activity.
