After a woman publicly came forward in Los Angeles Tuesday in accusing Rep. Eric Swalwell of drugging, sexually assaulting and choking her, Los Angeles authorities said they have launched a criminal investigation into the allegations. Lonna Drewes, a former model and a fashion software company ow ner, held a news conference with her attorneys Tuesday morning and said after meeting Swalwell socially in 2018, the Bay Area congressman offered her connections for her business. After meeting in person twice, Drewes and Swalwell met for the third time, and that’s when the alleged assault happened, she said.  BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 14: Lonna Drewes reacts during a press conference alleging U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) sexually assaulted her alongside a photo of Drewes with Swalwell (R) on April 14, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. Swalwell announced that he has suspended his bid to become California’s next governor and plans to resign from Congress amid sexual assault and misconduct allegations from multiple women. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) “I believe he drugged my drink. I only had one glass of wine,” she claimed, adding that the two ended up at Swalwell’s hotel in West Hollywood because he said he needed to get paperwork from his hotel room.  “When I arrived at his hotel room, I was already incapacitated, and I couldn’t move my arms or my body,” Drewes said.  She said while raping her, Swalwell choked her, causing her to lose consciousness. The accuser also maintained that she did not consent to the sexual encounter. NBC Los Angeles did not independently review or confirm her claims. The bombshell allegations came a day after Swalwell announced he would resign from Congress amid mounting misconduct allegations.  Lonna Drewes and Eric Swalwell posed for a picture after meeting in 2018. Credit: The Bloom Firm Drewes added that she did not report the alleged assault right away because she was fearful of Swalwall’s political connections and his family law enforcement ties. Swalwell has mentioned throughout his career that his father and brother were in law enforcement.  The accuser added she did not have any contact with Swalwell after the alleged rape and drugging incident.  While there was no rape kit done shortly after the alleged assault, Drewes said she’s discussed the experience with her therapist in Connecticut. “It had a profound impact on my mental health. I self-medicated in an unhealthy way. I self-medicated in an unhealthy way. I cried all the time for years,” she said.  Drewes and her attorneys said after the news conference, they were heading to the LA County Sheriff’s Department to file a police report. The statute of limitation for sexual assaults can be extended to 10 years or longer in the state of California. Congress Apr 13 House Ethics Committee investigating sexual misconduct allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell After Drewes filed a police report Tuesday, the LA County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) confirmed it’s launched a criminal investigation, adding the probe will center around an incident that happened in July 2018 at the Montrose Hotel in West Hollywood. “The investigation remains in its preliminary stages and is ongoing. Investigators are in the process of gathering information, reviewing available evidence, and conducting follow up inquiries as part of a comprehensive investigative process,” the sheriff’s department said. Once the investigation is completed, the investigators will present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, according to the LASD. The DA’s office has designated a deputy district attorney to the case, LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed. In addition to the case in LA, another potential criminal case is brewing in New York City: Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said his office is investigating recent allegations against Swalwell.  In response to Drewes’ accusations and claims made by other women, Swalwell’s attorney, Sara Azari, released a statement, saying Swalwell “categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled against him. “These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive — a calculated and transparent political hit job designed to destroy the reputation of a man who has spent twenty ears in public service,” Swalwell’s attorney said. “The timing, nature, and coordinated rollout of these vile and heinous allegations speak for themselves. This is neither about justice, nor the truth. This is a ruthless and shameless attempt to smear Congressman Swalwell.” On Monday, Swalwell took to social media and announced his plans to resign from Congress, saying that he is taking “responsibility and ownership for the mistakes” he made. At the same time, he pledged to “fight the serious, false allegations” against him. The former Alameda County prosecutor added he will work with his staff in the coming days, so they can continue to serve the 14th congressional district without him. Swalwell’s term was supposed to be over at the end of the month. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a proclamation Tuesday, setting the special election to take place on Aug. 18 to replace Swalwell. ...read more read less