Manhattan DA Investigates Rep. Eric Swalwell for Raping Former Staffer

The Manhattan DA's Office launched a criminal investigation into Rep. Eric Swalwell.

“SAN FRANCISCO -- There are new developments in the sex assault investigation involving California candidate for governor and Bay Area Congressman Eric Swalwell”

ABC7 Los Angeles

A former staffer accused him of raping her while she was heavily intoxicated.

ABC7 Los Angeles

Three other women also accused Swalwell of various forms of sexual misconduct.

Swalwell denied the allegations, calling them false and politically motivated lies.

The investigation marked the first criminal review stemming from the allegations.

The most severe accusation came from a woman who began interning for Swalwell in 2019 at age 20.

She blacked out and woke up naked in Swalwell's hotel room, feeling physically that sexual contact had occurred.

Al-Biyadir as-Siyasi

She described waking up with cuts and bruises on her rib cage and thighs.

The abuse allegedly culminated in April 2024 at a gala in New York City.

Three additional women accused Swalwell of other forms of misconduct.

The allegations were corroborated by medical records, text messages, and statements from friends and family.

All 21 of his backers in Congress withdrew their endorsements.

Leading California Democrats urged him to end his campaign.

Powerful labor unions rescinded their backing.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna announced plans to force a House vote to expel Swalwell.

Staff members resigned and his fundraising website went offline.

The upheaval created an opening for lesser-known contenders.

Swalwell denied the allegations, calling them flat false.

His attorney sent cease-and-desist letters to two of the women.

BBC

The letters claimed the women's accounts were undermined by their voluntary relationship with Swalwell.

Despite the denials, mounting evidence intensified the pressure on Swalwell.