LOS ANGELES (AP) — A California woman on Tuesday claimed that she was raped by Rep. Eric Swalwell in 2018 and is now planning to report the incident to law enforcement.
Lonna Drewes made her statement during a press conference, explaining that the assault took place at a hotel in Southern California. She indicated that she had a single glass of wine that night and suspects Swalwell drugged her before the assault. Swalwell announced his withdrawal from the California governor's race just days prior, stating his intention to resign from Congress after facing accusations of sexual assault from another woman.
“I did not consent to any sexual activity,” Drewes affirmed during the conference.
Drewes explained that she has not undergone a rape kit but had documented the alleged assault in her journal and disclosed it during therapy sessions at a sexual assault center. Her attorney, Lisa Bloom, stated that this documentation, alongside texts and photographs, will be included in the report to law enforcement.
After merely meeting Swalwell twice before the incident, Drewes noted that they ran into each other at a restaurant opening and were headed to a political event when they stopped at his hotel room to retrieve paperwork. She described feeling drugged and experiencing a loss of consciousness during the attack.
Swalwell's previously imminent resignation followed multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and inappropriate messaging towards women, which he has denied, claiming he only made certain judgment errors. His confrontation with Drewes adds another chapter to the unfolding narrative of his political turmoil.
Those seeking help can call the national sexual assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
