A Manhattan prosecutor opened an inquiry into claims that the congressman had sex with a former staffer who could not consent. More details and responses are pending.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said on Saturday that it is investigating allegations of sexual assault against Congressman Eric Swalwell, a day after CNN reported that a former staffer accused him of having sex with her when she couldn’t consent.
“We urge survivors and all those with information about these allegations to contact our Special Victims Unit at 212-335-9373,” the Manhattan DA’s Office said in a statement to CNN. “Our well-trained prosecutors, investigators, and counselors have everything they need to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach.”
– CNN
According to CNN, the former staffer described the incident that occurred after she had become heavily intoxicated in April 2024 in New York, when she woke up and found Swalwell having sex with her in his hotel room.
According to the materials, she was one of four described individuals who referenced allegations of inappropriate conduct by Swalwell, who is running for governor of California.
“I clearly pushed him away from me, saying ‘no,’ – she told CNN about the incident, which, she says, occurred after she stopped working in his office. “He did not stop.”
– CNN
Swalwell denied these accusations in a statement to CNN and in a video posted on social media on Friday night. The congressman said: “these allegations are false and appear ahead of the gubernatorial race.”
“For about 20 years I have served the public – as a prosecutor and a congressman, and I have always defended women. I will defend myself with facts and, where necessary, will pursue legal action,”
– Eric Swalwell
The accounts also emphasize that the investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected.