Federal agents seize devices from ex-Rep. Eric Swalwell in sexual misconduct probe, AP source says

WASHINGTON – A sprawling investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against former Rep. Eric Swalwell of California has escalated significantly, with federal agents seizing the ex-congressman's electronic devices and searching his Washington, D.C. residence, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. The actions signal a serious new phase in the multi-faceted legal inquiries that precipitated the Democrat's abrupt resignation from Congress in April.

The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss an active investigation, confirmed that agents took possession of Swalwell's devices at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday. A search warrant was subsequently executed at his home in the nation's capital on Sunday.

An attorney for Swalwell, who has consistently and firmly denied all allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, did not immediately return a message seeking comment on Thursday. The seizure was first reported by The Daily Mail.

A Pattern of Allegations

The federal actions are the latest development in a scandal that has unraveled a once-promising political career. The inquiries stem from multiple, separate allegations of sexual misconduct made against the seven-term lawmaker.

• Manhattan Investigation: The office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg confirmed in April that it had opened an investigation into Swalwell. This followed a report by The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN in which a former staffer alleged Swalwell raped her in a New York City hotel in 2024 while he was in town for a charity gala. In a public statement, Bragg's office encouraged "survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division."

• California Allegation: Lonna Drewes, a California woman, publicly accused Swalwell in April of raping her in 2018 at a hotel in Southern California. Her attorney, Arick Fudali, said his team is cooperating with all investigating agencies. "We are encouraged to learn about the escalation of the FBI's investigation into the allegations against Eric Swalwell," Fudali said in a statement.

• Additional Reports: CNN also reported that three other women have come forward with allegations of different forms of sexual misconduct by Swalwell, including claims that he sent them unsolicited explicit messages or nude photographs.

The Collapse of a Political Career

The snowballing allegations brought a swift and dramatic end to Swalwell's political trajectory. Once viewed as a leading contender in California's gubernatorial race, his ambitions crumbled as the reports surfaced.

He announced his resignation from the House of Representatives in April, shortly after the initial allegations were published. This move preempted what would have likely been a protracted and politically damaging ethics investigation in Congress and intense pressure from his own party.

The departure marked a stunning fall for a lawmaker who had steadily built a national profile since his election in 2012.

A Contentious Figure in National Politics

Representing a House district east of San Francisco, the Iowa native carved out a role as a prominent and aggressive Democratic voice, particularly during the Trump administration.

Role as Trump Antagonist

Swalwell's national profile grew significantly through his high-profile committee assignments. He was a key member of both the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees during Donald Trump's first term, placing him at the center of the era's most contentious political battles.

His role was cemented when he was chosen to serve as one of the Democratic House managers, effectively a prosecutor, for Trump's second impeachment trial following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

The Christine Fang Controversy

Even before the current scandal, Swalwell was a subject of intense political scrutiny. This earlier controversy centered on his past association with a suspected Chinese spy.

• The Connection: A woman named Christine Fang, believed by U.S. officials to be an intelligence operative for China, reportedly came into contact with Swalwell's campaign during his first run for Congress in 2012. She later participated in fundraising activities for his 2014 re-election campaign.

• Federal Intervention: In 2015, federal investigators, concerned about Fang's activities, briefed Swalwell and congressional leadership on the matter.

• The Aftermath: Swalwell has stated that he immediately cut off all contact with Fang upon being alerted by the FBI. He was never accused of any wrongdoing in the matter. However, the connection was politically damaging, and then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) removed him from the influential House Intelligence Committee in 2023, citing the security concerns.

• Official Outcome: A House Ethics Committee investigation into the matter was opened in 2021 and closed two years later without recommending any punitive action against Swalwell.

The Path Forward

With federal agents now in possession of Swalwell's electronic devices, the investigation enters a critical evidence-gathering stage. The contents of those devices could be crucial in corroborating or refuting the allegations made against him. The parallel investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney's office remains active.

The legal jeopardy for the former congressman is significant, with the potential for state or federal charges depending on the findings of the respective probes.

Meanwhile, the political chapter in his former district is closing. On Thursday, California lawmaker Aisha Wahab secured victory in a special election to serve the remainder of Swalwell's term, which ends in January. She is slated to run again in the November general election for a full two-year term, marking a definitive transfer of power in the district Swalwell represented for over a decade. As the district moves on, the legal and personal fallout for Swalwell is only just beginning.