The attorney for Lonna Drewes, one of the accusers who has leveled sexual misconduct allegations against former Representative Eric Swalwell, expressed surprise and confusion regarding the federal investigation that led to the seizure of the congressman's electronic devices.
Arick Fudali, an attorney representing Drewes, stated on "Jesse Weber Live" that neither he nor his client were informed about the federal probe before FBI agents confronted Swalwell at San Francisco International Airport and later executed search warrants at his Washington, D.C., residence. "You know, certainly an interesting development," Fudali said. "I was a bit caught off guard because Ms. Drewes has not been contacted by the FBI or anyone from federal law enforcement."
Drewes publicly accused Swalwell of drugging and sexually assaulting her in 2018. Swalwell has consistently denied the allegations. He resigned from Congress in April amid a growing number of misconduct allegations and an ethics investigation.
Fudali noted that given Drewes's public statements, including a press conference detailing serious allegations of rape and drugging, he would have expected federal investigators to seek her testimony. "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 said.
Drewes has reportedly filed a report with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office and provided evidence and potential witness names to local authorities. Fudali acknowledged the possibility of information sharing between local and federal investigators, a practice he has observed in his work.
Despite the ongoing local investigation, the federal actions, including the seizure of Swalwell's cellphone and other electronics, were unexpected for both Drewes and her legal team. Fudali stated that Drewes has mixed emotions, feeling encouraged by the apparent escalation of law enforcement activity but perplexed by the lack of contact from federal authorities.
Fudali indicated that Drewes is prepared to testify under oath, either in her own case or as a witness in another proceeding. His firm has reportedly provided corroborating evidence to law enforcement, though details were not publicly disclosed. Drewes is not currently pursuing a civil lawsuit, with her focus on the criminal investigation and accountability.
Fudali suggested that the seizure of Swalwell's devices could signal the beginning of a more active phase of the federal investigation, anticipating a "robust escalation" and swift developments.