Swalwell accuser comes forward with photo evidence

Lonna Drewes and Rep. Eric Swalwell, (D-CA) are shown in a photo presented at Tuesday's news conference. It purports to show her and the congressman in 2018 at the opening of Avra restaurant in Beverly Hills. "Provided by Drewes and attorney Lisa Bloom."

An attorney for Eric Swalwell accuser Lonna Drewes blasted the outgoing congressman's public response Tuesday. She called his comments "blather and spin" and "a slap in the face to the victims."

At Tuesday's Beverly Hills news conference at the law office of attorneys Lisa Bloom and Arick Fudali, the legal team said it would immediately file a police report with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office.

Bloom blasted Swalwell's recent statement in which he said he was "not perfect" and "not a saint" and framed the matter as one between him and his wife.

"Your statement that this is all just a matter between you and your wife is laughable, if not for the fact that it is a slap in the face to the victims," Bloom told reporters. "Your statement [Monday] that you just made, 'mistakes in judgment' is defensive and minimizing.

"Stop it. Own your behavior."

Bloom said her team would provide investigators with evidence including text messages, journal entries, a photograph and witness information.

"We will not rest until we get justice for Lonna," Bloom said.

Dropping out of the gubernatorial race and resigning from Congress is not enough, Bloom added.

"Losing one's job is not a sufficient consequence for these types of allegations," she said. "We feel that the criminal investigations are the priority."Bloom also argued Swalwell's resignation was not an act of accountability, but an effort to avoid further scrutiny.

"I do not, in my opinion, see that as an act of accountability at all," Bloom said. "I see it as an effort to avoid the expulsion hearing that was coming."

Bloom also issued a broader call for other possible accusers or witnesses to come forward. She said she had already received messages from other women and that her firm was available to speak with them confidentially.

"Enough is enough," Bloom said. "I'm sick and tired of women being victimized by men in power."

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