New allegations of sexual assault have surfaced against former Representative Eric Swalwell. A woman has claimed that the former California Democrat drugged and raped her in 2018, following an offer to assist her career. These accusations emerge shortly after Swalwell withdrew from the California gubernatorial race and resigned from Congress.

New Accusations Emerge

The latest accuser, Lonna Drewes, identified herself at a news conference in Beverly Hills. She stated that Swalwell invited her to a political event, but they later went to his hotel room, where he claimed to need access to paperwork. Drewes recounted that she believes her drink was drugged, as she felt incapacitated after only one glass of wine.

Details of the Alleged Assault

Drewes alleged that she was unable to move her body and lost consciousness during the incident, believing she was dying. She did not undergo a rape kit but documented the events in her calendar and discussed them during therapy sessions. Fear of Swalwell's political influence and legal background contributed to the delay in coming forward.

Legal and Political Fallout

Drewes' attorney, Lisa Bloom, announced plans to file a police report with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The department confirmed its Special Victims Bureau is investigating a report of sexual assault by Swalwell in July 2018. The case will be presented to the L.A. County District Attorney's Office for consideration.

Swalwell's Defense

In response, Swalwell's attorney, Sara Azari, issued a statement vehemently denying all allegations. Azari described the accusations as false, fabricated, and a politically motivated attempt to damage Swalwell's reputation after two decades of public service.

Broader Context of Allegations

These new claims follow previous accusations, including a former staffer's account of sexual assault published by the San Francisco Chronicle. Additionally, two other women, Annika Albrecht and Ally Sammarco, accused Swalwell of sending unsolicited explicit messages on Snapchat.

Political Resignations

Swalwell's political decisions coincided with declining support from House Democratic leadership. His resignation from Congress on Tuesday occurred shortly after Republican Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas also resigned. Gonzales faced expulsion efforts following revelations of sending sexually explicit text messages.