Eric Swalwell accuser’s rep ‘caught off guard’ by FBI raid as probe escalates at lightning speed

Eric Swalwell’s accusers were left totally in the dark before the disgraced congressman was confronted by federal agents at the airport, according to one of his alleged victim’s attorneys.

Arick Fudali, an attorney for Swalwell accuser Lonna Drewes, said he was surprised to learn of the federal investigation, adding that authorities had not contacted his client during an appearance on NewsNation’s “Jesse Weber Live” Thursday.

“You know, certainly an interesting development,” Fudali told host Jesse Weber. “I was a bit caught off guard because Ms. Drewes has not been contacted by the FBI or anyone from federal law enforcement.”

The comments came after FBI agents confronted Swalwell at San Francisco International Airport and seized his cellphone and other electronics under a federal search warrant. Additional warrants were later carried out at his Washington, D.C., residence, where agents seized other potential evidence.

Fudali said he would have expected Drewes to be among the people federal investigators would want to speak with if the probe involves allegations of sexual misconduct.

“It is odd because Ms. Drewes has been, perhaps, the most public of Mr. Swalwell’s accusers,” Fudali said. “She did a press conference. There were a lot of people there. She spoke about very serious allegations of rape and drugging.”

“One would think if the FBI was investigating Swalwell, at least to the level that they would get a warrant to seize his computer, his phone, stop him in an airport, that they would want to speak to the most vocal of his accusers,” he continued. “But so far, it’s been radio silence from the federal law enforcement.”

Drewes has publicly accused Swalwell of drugging and sexually assaulting her in 2018. Swalwell has maintained his innocence. He resigned from Congress in April amid mounting allegations of sexual misconduct and an ethics investigation.

Fudali said Drewes has instead been communicating with local authorities. According to the attorney, she has made a report to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office and provided evidence and names of potential witnesses as part of its investigation.

He acknowledged that information could potentially be shared between local and federal investigators.

“Our understanding is, they are pursuing their investigation against Mr. Swalwell,” Fudali said of the sheriff’s office. “Perhaps there’s been a sharing of information. I have seen that in my line of work as well.”

Still, the attorney said the federal action caught both him and his client off guard.

“I was as surprised as anyone else this morning, or when I heard about the news,” Fudali said, adding that he was unclear why the federal investigation had escalated at this particular time or what specific allegations investigators were pursuing.

Fudali also said Drewes had mixed emotions about the FBI’s actions. While she was encouraged to see what appeared to be an escalation of law enforcement activity, he said she was confused about why federal authorities had not contacted her.

The attorney said Drewes had taken a significant personal risk by publicly identifying herself and describing her allegations against a prominent political figure.

“She is absolutely prepared to testify under oath,” Fudali said, whether in her own case or as a witness in another proceeding.

Fudali said his firm has provided what it believes is corroborating evidence to law enforcement but declined to detail that evidence publicly. He also said Drewes is not currently pursuing a civil lawsuit against Swalwell, saying her immediate focus is on the criminal investigation and seeking accountability.

As for what comes next, Fudali suggested the seizure of Swalwell’s devices could mark the beginning of a more active phase of the federal investigation.

“It’s always hard to tell, but I would expect a pretty robust escalation after this and things to start moving very quick,” he said.

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