Manhattan prosecutor investigates abuse claims against congressman Eric Swalwell

Manhattan prosecutor investigates abuse claims against congressman Eric Swalwell 16 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleSareen HabeshianGetty ImagesThe Manhattan District Attorney's Office says it has launched an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against US congressman Eric Swalwell.Four women have accused him of misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to rape, including an alleged incident in New York. Swalwell, a leading contender in California's governor race, denies the claims, vowing to defend himself with "facts"."We urge survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division," said the New York City prosecutor's office.Representatives for Swalwell - who was elected in 2012 to a district near San Francisco - did not immediately respond to the BBC's request for comment.Calls grow for Swalwell to quit California governor race after sexual assault allegationsIn urging survivors to come forwards, the distict attorney's office said on Saturday: "Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner."The investigation came a day after Swalwell said the allegations were "false"."For nearly 20 years, I have served the public - as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women," the married father-of-three added. "I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action."The first allegation against Swalwell emerged publicly on Friday in the San Francisco Chronicle.A former staff member told the newspaper that shortly after being hired to work in his district office in Castro Valley, Swalwell began making inappropriate comments, including soliciting her for sex and sending her sexual messages.The woman alleged to the Chronicle that she had been assaulted twice by Swalwell.She told the newspaper the...