A former chief of staff to Eric Swalwell publicly cut ties with the former congressman as new allegations surfaced, stating that neither he nor another senior staffer continues to work for him, as reported [1] by The New York Post.
Benjamin Burnett, who previously served as Swalwell’s chief of staff, responded to an inquiry from The Hill regarding multiple allegations of sexual misconduct involving the former California lawmaker.
In a post on X, Burnett confirmed that he and Cassie Baloue are no longer employed by Swalwell.
“As of 2 PM (ET) today, neither Cassie [Baloue] nor I work for or report to the former Congressman,” Burnett wrote.
He added, “We will not be commenting on his behalf, relaying your request to him, or contact/coordinating with him in anyway.”
In response to @thehill [3]‘s inquiries about sexual misconduct allegations against @RepSwalwell [4], his (now former) chief of staff says Swalwell “rightfully has no one working for him anymore”⬇️ pic.twitter.com/WEtjB9yOXE [5]
— Ella Lee (@ByEllaLee) April 14, 2026 [6]
Burnett concluded with a direct statement:
“He rightfully has no one working for him anymore.”
The remarks came as a new allegation was made public Tuesday by Lonna Drewes, 50, who accused Swalwell of drugging and raping her in a West Hollywood hotel room in 2018.
Drewes said she believed she had a friendship with the lawmaker prior to the alleged incident.
Drewes said she met Swalwell while working as a model in Beverly Hills and running a fashion software company.
She said he offered to connect her with individuals who could help grow her business and that she also had an interest in local politics.
“After meeting, he offered me connections to further my software company, and I also had an interest in local politics,” Drewes said.
She said she attended two public events with Swalwell and noted she was aware he was married at the time and that his wife was pregnant.
“He invited me to two public events. I knew he was married at the time and that his wife was pregnant. He was my friend. On the third occasion, I believe he drugged my drink. I only had one glass of wine.”
Drewes said the two were planning to attend a political event when Swalwell told her he needed to retrieve paperwork from his hotel room.
“We were supposed to go to a political event, and he said he needed to get paperwork from his hotel room,” she said.
“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. And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness. I thought I died.”
She added, “I did not consent to any sexual activity, although I did not undergo a rape kit at the time, I disclosed the assault to the people closest to me.”
Drewes said she went to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on Tuesday and provided what she described as evidence, including text messages, photographs, and journal entries related to her claims.
Another victim of Eric Swalwell just gave a terrifying account of what that monster did to her “I couldn’t move my arms or body, he choked me, he raped me” this was after she believes her gave her a date rape drug.
This sexual predator needs to be arrested today! pic.twitter.com/WH5xuHTjCZ [7]
— Vince Langman (@LangmanVince) April 14, 2026 [8]
The latest accusation follows multiple allegations made by other women in recent days, including at least one additional claim of rape. The developments have had immediate political consequences.
Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor on Sunday and announced Monday that he would resign from Congress.
In a video statement posted to social media, Swalwell denied the allegations while acknowledging past conduct.
“I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past,” he said.
“I will fight the serious false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.”
Eric Swalwell claims the females accusing him of sexual assault and sexual harassment are lying.
He even put out a video statement on the accusations.
Do you believe him? pic.twitter.com/PYU4ap6kos [9]
— Breanna Morello (@BreannaMorello) April 11, 2026 [10]
Swalwell had been considered one of the leading Democratic candidates in the California gubernatorial race prior to suspending his campaign.