Lonna Drewes Accuses Rep. Eric Swalwell Of Drugging And Raping Her In 2018

Lonna Drewes publicly accused Rep. Eric Swalwell of drugging and raping her in 2018 at a West Hollywood hotel.

“BEVERLY HILLS, Calif”

ABC

He raped me, and he choked me, and while he was choking me I lost consciousness and I thought I died.

ABC

She met Swalwell three times as she was growing her fashion software company and considering a political career.

Drewes said Swalwell spoke repeatedly about his ability to make connections to help her business.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed it opened an investigation.

Swalwell's attorney responded that he categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation.

Drewes did not undergo a rape kit but disclosed the assault to people close to her.

She recorded the incident in a handwritten calendar and sought therapy at a sexual assault center.

ABC News

I did not want to live anymore. I cried all the time for years.

Her delay in coming forward was driven by fear of Swalwell's political power and background as an attorney.

She was considering a run for Beverly Hills City Council at the time.

Bloom said three other women had contacted her since the press conference was announced.

Swalwell was a leading Democratic contender for California governor.

He suspended his campaign and announced he would resign from Congress.

The House Ethics Committee opened an investigation.

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office was also investigating separate allegations.

Swalwell's attorney called the accusations a calculated and transparent political hit job.

Multiple women came forward with allegations ranging from sexual harassment to rape.

Drewes and her attorneys said they would file a complaint with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office.

The complaint would include text messages, journal entries, and photographs.

Al Jazeera

The Sheriff's Department said the investigation was in its preliminary stages and ongoing.

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office had already assigned its Sex Crimes Division.

The rapid succession of allegations underscored the growing legal jeopardy facing Swalwell.