August action seized Swalwell’s devices and searched his Washington home
FBI officers reportedly raided a California home in connection with an investigation into former U.S. Congressman Eric Swalwell, according to U.S. media reports. BBC News White House reporter Bernd Debusmann Jr. published the account on October 27, citing U.S. media reports of the search.
The reported California action followed an August incident in which FBI officers stopped Swalwell at an airport. The BBC account described the stop as part of the investigation into the allegations against him.
Officers also seized Swalwell’s electronic devices and searched his Washington DC home during that investigation. Those actions preceded the newly reported California raid.
Swalwell, 45, is a former Democratic lawmaker who dropped out of California’s governor race earlier this year. He also gave up his seat in the House of Representatives after allegations of sexual misconduct while in office emerged.
The BBC report said Swalwell has faced allegations from multiple women. One of the claims was that he raped a victim while she was too intoxicated to respond.
Another allegation was that Swalwell sent women unsolicited nude photographs. The claims were among the allegations described in the BBC’s account of the investigation.
Swalwell has denied any wrongdoing. His attorney, Sara Azari, said around the time the accusations were first reported, “These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive - a calculated and transparent political hit job.”
The BBC said it had contacted Swalwell’s lawyer and the Department of Justice for comment. It called the story breaking news, said it was being updated and said more details would be published shortly.