LA authorities dramatically raise stakes in investigation of alleged Swalwell rape at West Hollywood hotel

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office has already assigned a prosecuting attorney to aid in the criminal investigation of a bombshell rape claim against disgraced former Rep. Eric Swalwell.

LA District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the rare move after Lonna Drewes, 50, on Tuesday accused Swalwell of drugging, choking and raping her at a West Hollywood hotel in 2018.

Drewes delivered evidence to the West Hollywood sheriff’s station shortly after giving a press conference to announce the allegations, saying she has damning texts, photographs and journal entries that will prove the claims.

Representatives for LA Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed that deputies are investigating the claims.

Hochman’s office on Wednesday confirmed to The Post that it is already working with the LA Sheriff’s Special Victims Bureau on the case.

“Our office has assigned our Sex Crimes Division to work closely with law enforcement partners as this investigation unfolds,” the DA’s office said in a statement.

“When and if a case is presented, seasoned prosecutors will review the facts and evidence to determine whether there is sufficient evidence for charges to be filed,” Hochman added.

Drewes, a former model who was pictured with Swalwell, said she believes he drugged and raped her the third time they met, when the two were supposed to go to a political event. She said the alleged attack occurred at the Montrose West Hollywood hotel on July 18, 2018.

“He said he needed to get paperwork from his hotel room,” Drewes said on Tuesday.

“When I arrived at his hotel room, I was already incapacitated, and I couldn’t move my arms over my body. He raped me, and he choked me.”

“While he was choking me, I lost consciousness,” she added. “I thought I died.”

The stunning allegations come after four other women last week leveled heinous claims against Swalwell, including one former staffer who also alleged he raped her.

The accusations have destroyed Swalwell’s political career, prompting him first to pull out of the California governor’s race and then on Tuesday resign from Congress.

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