Attorney for Eric Swalwell accuser says FBI raid came without prior notice
Lawyer for Lonna Drewes said federal investigators did not inform her client before executing search warrants at Rep. Eric Swalwell's airport and home, and noted she has been cooperating with local authorities.
Attorney Arick Fudali, representing Lonna Drewes, who has accused former Rep. Eric Swalwell of sexual assault, said he was surprised that the FBI had not contacted his client before agents seized Swalwell's cellphone and other electronics at San Francisco International Airport and later at his Washington, D.C., residence.
"Ms. Drewes has not been contacted by the FBI or anyone from federal law enforcement," Fudali told host Jesse Weber on NewsNation.
Fudali added that, given Drewes' high public profile, it would be expected for federal investigators to interview her as part of the probe. He noted that Drewes has filed a report with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, providing evidence and potential witness names, and that information may be shared between local and federal agencies.
The attorney said Drewes is prepared to testify under oath and is focusing on the criminal investigation rather than pursuing a civil suit. He suggested that the recent device seizures could signal a more aggressive phase of the federal inquiry.