Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Investigates Rape Allegation Against Former Congressman Eric Swalwell from 2018

U.S. Congressman Eric Swalwell on April 15, 2026. The allegation concerns an incident in July 2018 at the Montrose West Hollywood hotel, located on the 900 block of Hammond Street in West Hollywood. The department's Special Victims Bureau is handling the investigation.

Lonna Drewes, a 50-year-old model, publicly accused Swalwell of the assault during a press conference on April 15, 2026. She stated that Swalwell, who was a congressman at the time, invited her to his hotel room under the pretense of discussing her fashion software company and attending a political event.

Drewes alleged that she was incapacitated upon arrival, choked, lost consciousness, and was raped.

67. These charges align with the timeframe and location of the alleged incident.

The Sheriff's Department described the investigation as being in its preliminary stages.

Authorities stated they are gathering information, reviewing evidence, and conducting follow-up inquiries. Once complete, the findings will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for review regarding potential charges. This allegation follows reports from the previous week detailing accusations from several other women against Swalwell.

Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor and resigned from Congress amid these allegations. He has become the focus of criminal investigations in Manhattan and Los Angeles. Swalwell has denied any criminal behavior.

His attorney, Sara Azari, issued a statement on April 15, 2026, describing the accusations as false and fabricated.