1 month ago
The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has opened an investigation into Eric Swalwell pursuing his resignation from Congress, according to a root acquainted pinch nan matter.
The news of a national investigation comes days aft nan Democratic typical from California stepped down owed to aggregate allegations of intersexual misconduct.
The DoJ has not publically commented connected its investigation.
Swalwell, a seven-term representative, was a frontrunner to switch Gavin Newsom arsenic California’s politician until he became engulfed successful scandal. He suspended his gubernatorial campaign and past resigned from Congress aft nan San Francisco Chronicle reported nan relationship of an unnamed erstwhile staffer, who said he sexually assaulted her connected 2 occasions. CNN published a akin account, which included claims from 3 different women who said Swalwell had sent them unwanted intersexual messages.
On Tuesday, nan time aft Swalwell resigned, Lonna Drewes, different alleged victim, publically came forward, saying Swalwell had drugged and raped her successful 2018. Drewes said retired astatine a property convention successful Beverly Hills, saying nan typical choked her and that she “lost consciousness” and thought she had “died”.
Sara Azari, a lawyer representing Swalwell, said successful a connection earlier this week that he “categorically and unequivocally denies each and each allegation of intersexual misconduct and battle that has been leveled against him”.
Azari did not instantly respond to an enquiry astir nan DoJ investigation connected Thursday.
The Los Angeles sheriff’s agency said this week it was investigating nan 2018 allegations, and nan LA territory attorney’s agency said its activity crimes section was moving pinch rule enforcement progressive successful nan case. The Manhattan territory attorney’s agency said complete nan play that it was investigating a intersexual battle allegation against Swalwell.
Swalwell, who was first elected successful 2012, was facing nan threat of expulsion from Congress erstwhile he announced his resignation, saying successful a statement: “I americium profoundly sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes successful judgement I’ve made successful my past … I will conflict nan superior mendacious allegation made against me. However, I must return work and ownership for nan mistakes I did make.”
The female who said to nan Chronicle said Swalwell began pursuing her soon aft she was hired successful 2019, astatine nan property of 21. She said he doubly sexually assaulted her erstwhile she was excessively intoxicated to consent.
