Federal agents have searched the home of former Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell and seized his electronic devices, according to sources cited by ABC News. The move marks a significant escalation in a criminal matter surrounding the once high-profile California lawmaker, and it unfolded over a single weekend on opposite sides of the country.
According to those sources, the sequence began at San Francisco International Airport, where federal agents served Swalwell with a warrant on Saturday night. As part of executing that warrant, agents seized his laptop and his iPhone, taking the devices directly from him at the airport.
The following day, agents searched Swalwell's home in Washington, D.C. The two-step operation extended the action from the airport stop to his residence, widening the scope of what agents were collecting as the weekend went on.
Sources told ABC News that the criminal investigation centers on allegations of sexual assault. The seizure of his phone and laptop suggests investigators are seeking to examine his communications and electronic records as part of that inquiry.
Swalwell, a California Democrat who was once described as a rising star in his party, resigned in disgrace amid accusations of sexual misconduct. The search of his home and the seizure of his devices represent a sharp turn from his former standing in national politics.
Swalwell has denied ever assaulting anybody, rejecting the allegations against him. The investigation remains active, and no charges tied to this reported search were announced in the account of the case.
The developments were reported by ABC's Perry Russom, who attributed the details to sources speaking to ABC News. Because the matter involves an ongoing investigation and unproven allegations, key elements of the case have not been publicly confirmed by authorities, and the picture may continue to develop.