Woman Accuses Eric Swalwell of Drugging, Rape, and Choking: 'I Thought I Died'

Allegations of sexual assault have surfaced against former Representative Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., from a woman who claims he drugged, raped, and choked her in a hotel room in California back in 2018.

At a press conference held Tuesday, Lonna Drewes recounted her harrowing experience, stating, "He raped me, and he choked me. And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness. I thought I died."

In response to the allegations, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed they are investigating the incident involving Swalwell. "The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Bureau is investigating a case involving a female adult who reported being sexually assaulted by Eric Swalwell," the department announced. The investigation is still in its early stages.

Swalwell's attorney, who made a statement shortly after the allegations were made public, asserted that Swalwell "categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled against him." The attorney described the accusations as "false, fabricated and deeply offensive — a calculated and transparent political hit job." While Swalwell has acknowledged past "mistakes," he has firmly rejected any claims of sexual assault as “flat false.”

Drewes detailed her interactions with Swalwell, noting that their initial meetings were amicable. "He offered me connections to further my software company," she explained. Despite knowing he was married and his wife was expecting, she believed he was a friend.

However, during their third encounter, Drewes alleged that Swalwell drugged her drink. After consuming a glass of wine, she followed him to his hotel room under the pretense of retrieving paperwork for an upcoming political event. Upon arrival, she felt incapacitated. "I couldn't move my arms or my body," she recalled, describing how Swalwell then assaulted her.

"I would never have engaged in a consensual sexual encounter with Eric Swalwell," Drewes emphasized, noting she had a boyfriend at the time and had never cheated. The incident left her with lasting mental health issues. "It had a profound impact on my mental health," she stated. "I did not want to live anymore."

Although Drewes did not file a police report immediately after the incident, she confided in close friends and documented the events in her calendar. She also discussed the assault during therapy sessions at a sexual assault center in Connecticut.

Fear played a significant role in her decision to remain silent for so long. "I was afraid of his political power, his background as an attorney, and his family law enforcement ties," she admitted.

Drewes' attorney, Lisa Bloom, confirmed that a report has been filed with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's West Hollywood station. "Lonna is committed to fully cooperating with law enforcement," Bloom stated.

The sheriff’s department indicated that investigators are currently gathering information and reviewing evidence as part of their comprehensive investigative process. Once completed, the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for potential charges.

The alleged incident reportedly took place in July 2018 at a business located on Hammond Street in West Hollywood. Federal Election Commission records indicate that Swalwell's campaign incurred expenses at the Montrose West Hollywood hotel on July 18, 2018.

During the press conference, Drewes and her legal team specified that the alleged assault occurred in Swalwell’s hotel room but did not disclose the hotel's name.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman stated that their Sex Crimes Division is collaborating closely with law enforcement as the investigation progresses. He assured that if a case is presented, experienced prosecutors will evaluate the facts to determine if charges are warranted.

Swalwell has faced increasing scrutiny over multiple sexual misconduct allegations in recent days. He was previously a prominent candidate for California governor until several women came forward with accusations against him.

Among these allegations is one from a former staffer who claimed Swalwell sexually assaulted her while she was too intoxicated to consent. A source familiar with this account confirmed its accuracy to news outlets under anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing legal matters.

Additional allegations include claims from two other women who accused Swalwell of sending unsolicited explicit images and another who stated he kissed her without consent.

The Manhattan district attorney’s office has initiated an investigation into one of these allegations involving sexual assault in New York. Meanwhile, the Alameda County District Attorney's Office is evaluating claims of misconduct involving Swalwell as well.

In his resignation statement from Congress on Monday, Swalwell expressed regret for "mistakes in judgment" but vowed to fight against what he termed serious false allegations made against him. His attorney reiterated confidence that the truth would emerge and promised to pursue legal action against those responsible for what they described as a campaign of lies.

Drewes concluded her press conference by expressing solidarity with other women who have come forward with similar experiences.