The short version
- Federal agents executed a search warrant at the Beverly Hills home of Stephen Cloobeck, a wealthy developer and former donor to Eric Swalwell.
- The action is part of an ongoing criminal investigation into sexual misconduct allegations that prompted Swalwell to resign from his House seat in April.
- Multiple jurisdictions, including federal authorities and prosecutors in New York and Los Angeles, are examining claims involving several women.
Federal law enforcement officials conducted a search of a residence in Beverly Hills early Tuesday morning, marking a significant development in the investigation surrounding former Congressman Eric Swalwell. Agents targeted the home of Stephen Cloobeck, a prominent real estate developer and founder of Diamond Resorts International. According to individuals familiar with the matter, the property is linked to Swalwell because the former lawmaker spent time there prior to his departure from office.
The search represents an intensification of federal scrutiny into allegations of sexual misconduct against Swalwell. These accusations surfaced publicly in April, leading the Iowa-born representative to resign from Congress after seven terms. The initial reports emerged from the San Francisco Chronicle and were subsequently expanded by CNN, which detailed claims from multiple women. One former staffer alleged that Swalwell raped her at a hotel in New York City during a charity event in 2024.
Additional allegations include claims of unsolicited explicit communications and other forms of sexual misconduct involving three other women. The scope of the inquiry has broadened beyond initial reports, prompting coordinated efforts across different levels of government. Federal agents previously seized electronic devices from Swalwell at San Francisco International Airport in August and conducted a separate search of his Washington, D.C., residence.
Stephen Cloobeck had publicly distanced himself from Swalwell as the allegations gained traction. In April, Cloobeck told the New York Post that he severed ties with the politician, stating he no longer associated with someone who exploits women. He emphasized his support for women’s rights in that statement. Messages seeking comment regarding Tuesday’s search were left with legal representatives for both Swalwell and Cloobeck.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed the operation through spokesperson Lourdes Arocho, who stated that agents conducted an action in the Los Angeles region related to an ongoing criminal investigation. The bureau did not provide further details on the specific nature of the evidence sought or the charges under consideration. This federal probe runs parallel to state-level investigations.
In New York, the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has opened its own inquiry into the allegations. Bragg’s office issued a statement encouraging survivors and anyone with relevant information to contact the special victims division. Meanwhile, prosecutors in Los Angeles are reportedly evaluating whether to bring charges against Swalwell based on the evidence gathered thus far.
Swalwell was a high-profile figure in Democratic politics, known for his opposition to Donald Trump during the former president’s first term. He served on key committees, including Judiciary and Intelligence, and acted as one of the House managers during Trump’s second impeachment trial following the January 6 Capitol attack. His political trajectory shifted dramatically after the misconduct allegations surfaced.
Prior to the sexual misconduct claims, Swalwell faced separate scrutiny regarding his contact with Christine Fang, a woman suspected by federal investigators of being a Chinese spy. Then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy removed Swalwell from the Intelligence Committee in 2023 based on these concerns. A House ethics investigation into the matter concluded without action in 2023, and Swalwell maintained that he cut off contact with Fang after being alerted by federal officials in 2015.
The current legal proceedings remain fluid as multiple agencies assess the evidence. The search of Cloobeck’s home suggests investigators are looking for digital or physical records that may corroborate or clarify the timeline of events involving Swalwell. As state and federal authorities continue their work, the case underscores the complex intersection of political power, personal conduct, and legal accountability.
Observers note that the breadth of the investigation reflects the seriousness with which prosecutors are treating the allegations. The involvement of both federal agents and local district attorneys indicates a comprehensive approach to determining whether criminal statutes were violated. The outcome could have significant implications for how similar cases involving public officials are handled in the future.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US Politics↗Federal agents search Beverly Hills mansion tied to ex-congressman Eric Swalwell
