Former Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell is facing intensified federal scrutiny after FBI agents reportedly seized his electronic devices and searched his Washington, D.C., residence as part of an investigation connected to sexual assault allegations.
Federal agents approached Swalwell at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday, August 15, where they seized electronic devices belonging to the former California lawmaker, according to sources familiar with the investigation cited by CNN. The following day, agents searched his Washington home as the federal inquiry widened.
The extraordinary development comes months after multiple women accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including allegations of sexual assault. Swalwell has denied allegations of nonconsensual sexual activity and wrongdoing.
One former congressional staffer accused Swalwell of sexually assaulting her on two occasions, allegations that contributed to growing pressure on him earlier this year. Another woman, Lonna Drewes, publicly accused him in April of drugging and raping her during an encounter in 2018. Law enforcement authorities in Los Angeles opened an investigation following her allegations.
The allegations triggered a dramatic collapse in Swalwell’s political career. He suspended his campaign for California governor before announcing his resignation from Congress in April. The House Ethics Committee had also opened an investigation into claims that he may have engaged in sexual misconduct involving an employee under his supervision. The committee stressed at the time that opening an investigation did not mean any violation had occurred.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office separately confirmed earlier this year that it was investigating a sexual assault allegation involving the former congressman.
The latest FBI activity represents a significant escalation because federal investigators have now reportedly taken possession of electronic evidence and searched Swalwell’s residence.
However, the seizure of devices and execution of a search do not establish guilt, and no criminal conviction has resulted from the allegations. As of Thursday, it remained unclear whether the federal investigation would ultimately lead to criminal charges.
Swalwell and his attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the latest FBI actions, according to reports.
With federal investigators now involved, attention is expected to remain firmly focused on what evidence authorities uncover and what comes next in the rapidly developing case.
