Federal Agents Seize 2 Swalwell Devices Under Rights-Abuse Statute
Updated
Updated · The San Francisco Standard · Aug 21
Federal Agents Seize 2 Swalwell Devices Under Rights-Abuse Statute
3 articles · Updated · The San Francisco Standard · Aug 21
Summary
An Aug. 13 warrant shows federal authorities seized Eric Swalwell’s iPhone and MacBook Pro at 8:25 p.m. Saturday, along with a charging cable and wall charger.
The warrant was issued under 18 U.S.C. § 242, a federal civil-rights statute usually used against officials who abuse power; a former prosecutor said prosecutors may be exploring witness intimidation tied to Swalwell’s office.
Recently filed documents identify FBI agent Kyle R. Biebesheimer of the San Francisco field office’s Public Corruption and Civil Rights Squad, and the warrant was assigned to Magistrate Judge Thomas S. Hixson in Northern California.
News reports said Swalwell was searched at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday and his Washington home was raided Sunday as investigators examine sexual misconduct allegations he has denied.
Swalwell resigned in April after reports of sexual misconduct derailed what had been a leading bid for California governor, and the unusual statute adds a new legal dimension to the case.