FBI Searches Beverly Hills Mansion in Investigation Tied to Former Rep. Eric Swalwell
The FBI searched a mansion in Beverly Hills, California, on Tuesday morning as part of its investigation into former Democratic congressman Eric Swalwell, CNN reported. According to Fox News, the property is tied to a person named Cloobeck. Swalwell was not arrested or detained during the search.
Swalwell represented California in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat. In April, he was a leading Democratic candidate for California governor, according to CNN. He later dropped out of that race, and he gave up his House seat after allegations of sexual misconduct during his time in office came to light.
The House Ethics Committee, the body that examines the conduct of members of Congress, opened an investigation into the allegations in April, according to CNN. At least five women have accused Swalwell, according to Fox News. A former staffer alleged that Swalwell raped her, CNN reported. Other allegations described to the BBC include one that he raped a woman while she was too intoxicated to respond, and another that he sent women unsolicited nude photographs.
Swalwell has denied wrongdoing. His attorney, Sara Azari, has called the accusations false, fabricated and a calculated political hit job, according to the BBC.
The federal investigation has included earlier steps. In August, FBI agents stopped Swalwell at an airport and seized his cell phone and other electronic devices. Fox News reported that the seizure took place at San Francisco International Airport. The same month, the FBI also searched his home in Washington, D.C.
