Swalwell Faces Allegations of Sexual Assault and Misconduct

At least two women received cease-and-desist letters after rumors have circulated on social media about multiple allegations of nonconsensual sexual encounters. Swalwell’s campaign denies the allegations.

Rep. Eric Swalwell

California gubernatorial candidate, Rep. Eric Swalwell, is facing allegations from a former staffer of sexual assault. His attorney sent cease-and-desist letters to woman making allegations about misconduct. Rich Pedroncelli/AP

A former staffer to Rep. Eric Swalwell told the San Francisco Chronicle the California Democrat and gubernatorial frontrunner sexually assaulted her twice while she was intoxicated. The staffer confirmed to NOTUS she made the allegations and received a cease-and-desist letter from Swalwell’s lawyer.

The letter, dated April 9 and sent via text message by the Los Angeles law firm Dabaie Kelley, demands the recipient “immediately and permanently” stop discussing the accusations in any form — oral, written or electronic.

Swalwell’s attorneys said in the letter that the recipient’s allegations were “fatally undermined by your voluntary and cooperative relationship with Mr. Swalwell over the course of many years following the period” she described.