A former staffer who previously accused former California Representative Eric Swalwell of sexual assault is now reportedly cooperating with an investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
Allegations Against Eric Swalwell
The accuser detailed her allegations to CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle earlier this month. Her claims include:
- Alleging that Swalwell raped her at a hotel in New York City in April 2024.
- Accusing him of nonconsensual sexual contact following a night of heavy drinking in California in 2019, when she was employed as a junior staffer.
Official Investigation and Political Fallout
The Manhattan DA’s office initiated an investigation into these allegations one day after CNN first reported the story. The political fallout for Swalwell was immediate and significant:
- He withdrew from the California gubernatorial race shortly after the reports surfaced.
- He subsequently resigned from his seat in Congress.
Swalwell's Response
At the time of the allegations, Swalwell strongly denied the claims. He stated that the accusations were false and vowed to defend himself using facts and pursue legal action if necessary.
The woman who made the accusations requested anonymity due to fears of retaliation and has since retained new legal counsel.
