Lonna Drewes Accuses Eric Swalwell of Drugging and Rape in 2018
A former model and entrepreneur has come forward with harrowing allegations against former U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin), claiming he drugged and raped her in 2018. These accusations follow a wave of sexual misconduct claims that led Swalwell to announce his resignation from Congress on Monday, April 13, 2026.
Details of the Allegations
Lonna Drewes, a model and fashion software entrepreneur, detailed the encounter during a news conference on Tuesday, April 14. Drewes stated that she met Swalwell three times while she was attempting to build her software company and considering a career in politics. She alleges that during their third meeting in 2018, Swalwell offered professional mentorship but instead committed a violent assault.
According to Drewes, the two stopped at his hotel room to retrieve paperwork before attending a political event. She believes Swalwell drugged her glass of wine, leaving her incapacitated after only one drink. “He raped me and he choked me and while he was choking me I lost consciousness and I thought I died,” Drewes stated, emphasizing that she did not consent to any sexual activity. Reports indicate the incident took place in the Beverly Hills area, with some accounts specifying the meeting occurred in West Hollywood.
Political Fallout and Resignation
The allegations from Drewes are the latest in a “torrent” of sexual misconduct accusations against the congressman. The pressure from these claims resulted in two major political exits for Swalwell:
- Congressional Resignation: Swalwell announced on Monday that he would resign his seat in Congress.
- Gubernatorial Campaign: The misconduct allegations also forced Swalwell to finish his campaign for Governor of California.
While Swalwell has acknowledged making undefined “mistakes,” he has consistently denied the more severe allegations of assault.
The Defense and Legal Response
Swalwell’s legal team has pushed back aggressively against the claims. Attorney Sara Azari released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) asserting that Swalwell “categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled against him.” Azari characterized the accusations as “false, fabricated and deeply offensive,” describing them as a “calculated and transparent political hit job” intended to destroy the reputation of a man with 20 years of public service.
Another attorney for Swalwell, Elias Dabaie, did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the specific allegations made by Drewes.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Drewes’ attorney, Lisa Bloom, announced that they intend to file a formal report with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department immediately. To support a criminal investigation, Bloom stated they will provide corroborating evidence, including:
- Text messages
- Journal entries
- Photographs
Key Takeaways
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Accuser | Lonna Drewes (Model/Entrepreneur) |
| Alleged Incident | Drugging and rape in 2018 |
| Current Status of Swalwell | Resigning from Congress; ended CA Governor race |
| Legal Action | Report being filed with L.A. County Sheriff’s Department |
| Defense Position | Denies all claims; labels them a “political hit job” |
As the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department receives the evidence provided by Drewes’ legal team, the focus shifts to whether these allegations will lead to formal criminal charges against the former congressman.