Agents searched the home of wealthy developer and Swalwell donor Stephen Cloobeck, where the ex-Congressman spent time before resigning from office in April, according to the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the investigation.
Swalwell, D-Calif., has denied criminal wrongdoing.
Messages seeking comment were left for Swalwell’s lawyer and for a lawyer who represented Cloobeck in another matter.
Cloobeck, the founder of the Diamond Resorts International timeshare company, told the New York Post in April that he cut ties with Swalwell as accusations against him mounted.
"I am no longer associated with a man that takes advantage of women,” Cloobeck told the newspaper. “I support women’s rights.”
Tuesday’s search is the latest escalation in the federal investigation of Swalwell — one of several probes begun after a woman came forward with allegations that he sexually assaulted her twice, including when she worked for him.
The San Francisco Chronicle, followed by CNN, first reported the allegations. CNN also reported that three other women alleged various kinds of sexual misconduct by Swalwell, including sending them unsolicited explicit messages or nude photos.
Asked about the search at Cloobeck’s address, FBI spokesperson Lourdes Arocho said: “Early this morning the FBI conducted an operation in the Los Angeles region related to an ongoing criminal investigation. We have no further comment.”
In August, federal agents seized electronic devices from Swalwell at the San Francisco airport and searched his Washington home.
