The FBI seized former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s phone Saturday and raided his home in Washington, D.C., as part of an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against him, a person familiar with the matter told MS NOW.
Swalwell dropped his campaign for California governor and resigned from Congress in April after multiple women came forward and accused him of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault.
He has denied all allegations, but he conceded to making “mistakes in judgment” in his resignation announcement.
One woman who accused him of sexual assault confirmed to MS NOW that she was interviewed by the FBI about the matter earlier this year. MS NOW is not naming her to protect her privacy.
Swalwell and his attorney did not immediately respond to MS NOW’s requests for comment about the FBI search.
Swalwell is facing multiple investigations connected to the allegations. The Justice Department launched a probe in April. The Manhattan district attorney is also investigating the California Democrat.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said in April that it was investigating allegations from Lonna Drewes, who described herself as Swalwell’s former friend, that he drugged and raped her in a West Hollywood hotel room. However, on Thursday, a spokesperson with the LASD said there is no active investigation into Swalwell.
Arick Fudali, an attorney representing Drewes, said in a statement that they are “encouraged to learn about the escalation of the FBI’s investigation” into the allegations against Swalwell. “We will continue to cooperate with any and all law enforcement agencies pursuing this matter in our fight for justice,” he added.
Four women who have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct told MS NOW in a joint statement Thursday that developments in the ongoing federal investigation represent a path toward accountability. MS NOW granted the women anonymity because it does not identify alleged victims of sexual misconduct without their permission.
“Some of us have been waiting 10+ years for justice. Today feels like a step toward the accountability we’ve waited a long time for,” the women said. “If this process finally holds him accountable, that matters not just for us but for all other survivors out there who are still working to get their justice.”
Jillian Frankel and Ebony Davis contributed to this report.
The post FBI seized former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s phone, searched his home, source says appeared first on MS NOW.
From MS Now.

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