Another woman accuses Eric Swalwell of drugging, raping her

Another woman came forward Tuesday alleging that former California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of "drugging, choking and raping" her in the Golden State in 2018.

Swalwell resigned his post in the House of Representatives Tuesday amid the sexual misconduct allegations, which surfaced late last week. The Democrat also suspended his gubernatorial campaign in light of the allegations but has denied criminal wrongdoing.

The new accuser, identified as Lonna Drewes, claimed she was lured to Swalwell's hotel room in Los Angeles, where the alleged incident occurred, according to NBC News. 

"He raped me, and he choked me. And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness," Drewes said at a press conference with her attorneys. "I thought I died."

Drewes said Swalwell claimed he needed to finish paperwork before going to a political event with her, but she felt incapacitated by the time she got there and believed he spiked her wine. The accuser acknowledged that she knew Swalwell was married at the time but believed the two were friends and said she had a boyfriend.

“I would never have engaged in a consensual sexual encounter with Eric Swalwell,” she insisted, adding she has "never cheated in my life."

Drewes said she never filed a police complaint about the incident, but did tell friends, recorded it in a handwritten calendar and disclosed the encounter during therapy sessions in Connecticut. 

She also said she did not come forward before Tuesday because of fear of Swalwell's political power and law enforcement connections.

Drewes' attorney said her legal team would be “immediately” filing a report in Los Angeles and vowed that Drewes would work with law enforcement in its investigation.

Swalwell's attorney denied the new allegation, claiming it was part of a smear campaign against the former congressman.

“Congressman Eric Swalwell categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled against him," his attorney said, per the New York Post. “The timing, nature, and coordinated rollout of these vile and heinous allegations speak for themselves. This is neither about justice, nor the truth.

“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 years in public service," the statement added.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.