FBI Searches Beverly Hills Home of Donor in Swalwell Investigation

The Federal Bureau of Investigation searched a home in Beverly Hills early Tuesday morning as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into former U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif.

Agents executed the search at the property of Stephen Cloobeck, a wealthy developer and Swalwell donor where the former congressman spent time before resigning from office in April, according to two people familiar with the matter.

Swalwell, who represented a district east of San Francisco, has denied criminal wrongdoing in response to the allegations that prompted his departure from Congress.

Cloobeck, the founder of Diamond Resorts International, contributed more than $23,000 to Swalwell’s congressional campaigns since 2017, federal campaign finance records indicate. The developer also ran for California governor last year before dropping out of the race.

In April, Cloobeck told the New York Post that he had cut ties with Swalwell as accusations against the lawmaker mounted. Cloobeck stated, “I am no longer associated with a man that takes advantage of women. I support women’s rights.”

Cloobeck faces unrelated legal issues as well. He was charged with witness intimidation in May and has pleaded not guilty. In August, the prediction market platform Kalshi temporarily banned him after he purchased $10,000 worth of contracts related to his gubernatorial candidacy.

Tuesday’s search marks the latest escalation in the federal probe, which began after a woman alleged that Swalwell sexually assaulted her twice, including during her tenure as his staff member. The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN initially reported the allegations. CNN later reported that three other women alleged various forms of sexual misconduct, including unsolicited explicit messages and nude photos.

Another woman alleged that Swalwell raped her at a Southern California hotel in 2018. She said she consumed one glass of wine and believes Swalwell drugged her. She stated she planned to report the incident to law enforcement.

FBI spokesperson Lourdes Arocho confirmed the operation in a statement. “Early this morning the FBI conducted an operation in the Los Angeles region related to an ongoing criminal investigation. We have no further comment,” Arocho said.

Federal agents previously seized electronic devices from Swalwell at the San Francisco airport in August and searched his Washington home during that same period.

Swalwell, an Iowa native first elected in 2012, launched a presidential campaign in April 2019 that ended a few months later. He was considered a leading candidate in California’s gubernatorial race before the misconduct allegations surfaced.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s office is also investigating Swalwell after a former staffer alleged he raped her at a New York City hotel in 2024 during a charity gala. Los Angeles prosecutors are also weighing potential charges in the matter.