Lona Drews has accused former US Congressman Eric Swalwell of rape, adding to the growing list of allegations against him.
Speaking Tuesday, Drews said she was reluctant to come forward because of Swalwell’s “political power.” She alleged that he drugged and raped her in a hotel room in 2018.
“When he was strangling me, I fainted and thought I was dead. I had not consented to any sexual activity,” she said.
According to the BBC, Drews said she met Swalwell while working as a model in Beverly Hills and initially considered him a friend.
She said she had drunk a glass of wine but was unable to move, leading her to believe she had been drugged.
Swalwell has denied all allegations. His lawyer, Sara Azari, said: “These allegations are false, fabricated and extremely offensive – a calculated and transparently political hit job.”
Azari said, “The timing, nature and coordinated implementation of these vile and heinous allegations speak for themselves. This is neither about justice, nor about the truth.”
Drews’ attorney Lisa Bloom said a police report would be filed with the Los Angeles Police Department.
The allegation comes after claims by several other women, prompting an ethics investigation.
Swalwell has since resigned from Congress and withdrawn from the race for Governor of California.
