WASHINGTON — Former congressman Eric Swalwell is facing an escalation into a federal investigation of sexual misconduct allegations.  FBI agents seized his electronic devices at San Francisco International Airport. They also searched his Washington, D.C., home under search warrants, according to reports published this week.

The investigation follows allegations from multiple women, including claims of sexual assault, rape and unwanted explicit communications. Swalwell has denied the allegations, while his attorney has described them as fabricated and politically motivated.

 Eric Swalwell Career Ended

The searches represent a significant development in an investigation that has already brought a dramatic end to Swalwell's political career.

He withdrew from the California governor's race and resigned from Congress earlier this year after the allegations became public. He has not been charged with a crime in connection with the sexual misconduct allegations.

According to CBS News, federal agents served a search warrant on Swalwell to seize his electronic devices. Agents subsequently searched his Washington residence. Reuters also reported that the searches are part of an ongoing criminal investigation into allegations involving the former congressman.

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A search warrant is an investigative tool and does not by itself establish that a crime occurred or that evidence of criminal wrongdoing was found.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed the specific evidence they were seeking or what was recovered during the searches.

Sexual Assault Allegations 

The investigation follows allegations from several women. One former staff member accused Eric Swalwell of sexual assaults when she was allegedly too intoxicated to consent.

Other women have accused him of inappropriate sexual conduct. It was also alleged that he sent unsolicited explicit photographs and messages. Another woman, Lonna Drewes, has alleged that Swalwell drugged, choked and raped her during a 2018 encounter.

Swalwell has categorically denied the allegations.

Drewes' allegation is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Reports have also described investigations involving authorities in New York and Los Angeles.

Eric Swalwell Denies he is to Blame

Swalwell's attorney, Sara Azari, has repeatedly denied the accusations on his behalf. In a statement released when the allegations first emerged, Azari called them “false, fabricated, and deeply offensive” and characterized them as a political effort to damage Swalwell's reputation.

Swalwell also acknowledged what he described as “mistakes in judgment,” but he has denied the central accusations of sexual assault. He said he could no longer effectively serve in Congress while facing the controversy and stepped away from public office.

The House Ethics Committee opened an investigation while Swalwell remained a member. That inquiry ended after his resignation.

Renewed Scrutiny Over Christine Fang

The FBI investigation into Swalwell's conduct has also revived scrutiny of his past relationship with Christine Fang, also known as Fang-Fang, a Chinese woman whom U.S. authorities identified as a suspected Chinese intelligence operative.

The relationship became public in 2020 after reports revealed that Fang had cultivated relationships with several California politicians. Newly released and declassified FBI documents have provided additional details about her interactions with Swalwell.

According to reporting on the documents, Swalwell told the FBI in 2015 that he met Fang in 2012 at an event involving the Chinese American community.

Fang also assisted with fundraising connected to Swalwell's political campaign and helped place an intern in his congressional office, according to reporting about the FBI files. Federal investigators became concerned about her activities and ultimately searched her California residence in 2015.

Eric Swalwell Makes Distinction Between Sex and Romance

He acknowledged that he and Fang subsequently had a sexual relationship, telling investigators that they had “physical relations” on several occasions.

However, Swalwell told investigators that the relationship was not romantic.

Swalwell has never been charged with a crime related to Fang. The House Ethics Committee previously examined the matter and did not take disciplinary action. He has said he cut off contact with Fang after the FBI warned him about her.

He continues to deny that he is guilty of any crime. And claims that any and all extramarital relations were consensual and romance was a non-issue. Although they were not known or approved by his wife.

 Investigations Continue

Swalwell, a prominent California Democrat and frequent television critic of President Donald Trump, had been campaigning for governor when the sexual misconduct allegations surfaced.

His political support quickly collapsed, and he ultimately abandoned the gubernatorial campaign before resigning his House seat.

The latest FBI searches add another chapter to the former congressman's rapid political downfall. The investigation remains active, and authorities have not announced charges stemming from the searches.

They are only allegations against Swalwell unless and until prosecutors establish criminal wrongdoing in court. His attorney continues to dispute the accusations, while investigators determine whether evidence exists to support criminal charges.

Related Coverage and Background

• CBS News: FBI searches and device seizures involving Swalwell
• Reuters: FBI raid and sexual misconduct investigation
• CalMatters: Allegation involving Lonna Drewes
• Associated Press: Swalwell's resignation from Congress
• Washington Post: Background on Christine Fang and the FBI investigation