Federal Agents Seize Devices from Former Rep. Eric Swalwell Amid Investigation

Federal agents have seized electronic devices from former Representative Eric Swalwell and searched his Washington home. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against the former Democratic congressman from California. A source familiar with the situation revealed this information, choosing to remain anonymous as they were not authorized to discuss the details publicly.

Swalwell’s devices were confiscated at the San Francisco airport on Saturday. The following day, agents executed a search warrant at his Washington residence. The seizure of his devices was initially reported by The Daily Mail. Swalwell, who has denied the allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, has not made a public statement. Attempts to contact his attorney for comments have been made.

The San Francisco Chronicle first reported the allegations, closely followed by CNN. According to reports, Swalwell faced accusations of sexually assaulting a woman on two occasions, including one instance when she worked for him. CNN also disclosed that three other women have come forward with allegations of various sexual misconduct by Swalwell, including sending unsolicited explicit messages or nude photos.

Following the surfacing of these allegations, Swalwell announced his resignation from Congress in April. He was previously seen as a leading candidate in California’s gubernatorial race. In April, the Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg’s office confirmed it was investigating Swalwell after a former staffer reported to CNN and the Chronicle that Swalwell raped her at a hotel while attending a charity gala in New York City in 2024. Bragg’s office has urged survivors and those with information to contact their Special Victims Division.

Lonna Drewes, a California woman who testified about being raped by Swalwell in 2018, is represented by lawyer Arick Fudali. He emphasized their cooperation with law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation. Drewes spoke about the assault at a news conference shortly after Swalwell withdrew from the California governor’s race, stating it took place at a Southern California hotel.

Swalwell, originally from Iowa, was elected in 2012, representing a district east of San Francisco. He launched a presidential campaign in April 2019, which concluded a few months later due to lack of voter support. He was known as a prominent adversary of Republican President Donald Trump during his time in Congress.

Swalwell served on the House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees and participated as a Democratic prosecutor in Trump’s second impeachment following the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. In 2023, he was removed from the Intelligence Committee by then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, due to concerns about his connection with Christine Fang, a suspected Chinese spy.

Fang reportedly interacted with Swalwell’s campaign during his initial Congressional run in 2012 and was involved in fundraising for his 2014 campaign. Once federal investigators highlighted concerns regarding Fang, Swalwell ceased contact with her in 2015. Though no wrongdoing was attributed to him, and a House Ethics Committee investigation in 2021 closed without further action, Swalwell faced continued scrutiny.

Associated Press reporters Michael R. Sisak in New York and Olga Rodriguez in San Francisco also contributed to this report.