Swalwell’s mounting sexual misconduct allegations threaten career beyond politics, experts warn
Mounting sexual misconduct allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell led him to resign from Congress and drop out of the California gubernatorial race, but legal experts say the fallout could extend...
By Fox News · Fox News
Mounting sexual misconduct allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell led him to resign from Congress and drop out of the California gubernatorial race, but legal experts say the fallout could extend beyond politics, including potential disbarment. Swalwell is facing a string of accusations, including that he drugged and raped one woman and sexually assaulted one of his staffers, which have spurred at least two local criminal investigations. The accusations, which he has largely denied, have driven not just his exile from the political world but could now expose him to possible broader career repercussions. Hans von Spakovsky, legal fellow at Advancing American Freedom, told Fox News Digital that Swalwell is bound by the State Bar of California's rules of professional conduct. Swalwell has had an active license to practice law in the state since 2006. 'SMART DECISION': SWALWELL'S RESIGNATION SPURS PRAISE FROM BOTH PARTIES AFTER BOMBSHELL ALLEGATIONS EMERGE The state lists out what would constitute professional misconduct, which the bar could investigate and then decide to suspend or revoke Swalwell's license. Von Spakovsky noted that "dishonesty, fraud, [and] deceit" are included, as well as "moral turpitude." "It would be up to the State Bar to investigate and see if his behavior falls within any of these or other prohibitions," Von Spakovsky said. Jonathan Turley, George Washington University law professor, said Democratic allies and left-leaning media previously "shielded" Swalwell but that the congressman was now "persona non grata without a friend in the world." Turley raised the prospect of disbarment. "If these rape and sexual harassment claims are established, he is likely to face disbarment demands," Turley said on Monday just before Swalwell resigned. "Even his prior boosters at MS NOW and CNN are unlikely to offer him a media deal." SWALWELL ACCUSERS DETAIL EXPERIENCES WITH LAWMAKER AFTER HE ANNOUNCES HIS RESIGNATION FROM CONGRESS Several women have accused…