Dana Williamson, former chief-of-staff to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, has pleaded not guilty to federal public corruption charges. Williamson, 53, is accused of funneling roughly $225,000 from a dormant campaign account belonging to former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to Becerra’s former chief of staff.
Williamson charged
As part of an FBI investigation, Williamson was arrested and charged on Wednesday with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud.
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Williamson faces 23 charges in total, and she faces up to 20 years in prison, along with up to $250,000 in fines for each count of bank fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud.
She pleaded not guilty on all counts and was released on $500,000 bond under travel restrictions with her house being used as collateral.
She reportedly cried throughout the court proceedings.
Alleged crime
All that money allegedly went to Sean McCluskie, Becerra’s former chief-of-staff, who’s also named in the case. The indictment says Williamson and an unnamed co-conspirator sent money from Becerra’s state campaign account to the firm of lobbyist Greg Campbell for alleged consulting services.
Campbell’s firm then allegedly sent thousands of dollars to a third-party payroll provider who then paid McCluskie.
Prosecutors say Williamson lied to FBI agents about the scheme.
Campbell also faces charges. McCluskie signed a plea agreement in October 2024, admitting to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud and agreed to pay back the money.
Williamson is also accused of labeling personal purchases as tax-deductible expenses, including a Chanel handbag and ring, a private jet trip, a watch, a yacht rental and more.
The investigation began under the Biden administration three years ago.
“Today’s charges are the result of three years of relentless investigative work, in partnership with IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel said in a statement. “The FBI will remain vigilant in its efforts to uncover fraud and corruption, ensuring our government systems are held to the highest standards.”
Political response
A spokesperson for Newsom’s office said they put Williamson on leave as soon as they learned about the investigation and that she left his administration in November 2024.
Williamson has worked under previous California governors, including Jerry Brown and Gray Davis. The indictment shows the alleged crime began before she started working for Newsom.
“Ms. Williamson no longer serves in this administration,” a statement from the governor’s office reads. “While we are still learning details of the allegations, the Governor expects all public servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity.”
Becerra is now running to succeed Newsom for the top job in California. Becerra is referred to only as an unnamed public official in the case.
“The news today of formal accusations of impropriety by a long-serving trusted advisor are a gut punch,” Becerra told the AP. He said he voluntarily cooperated with the Department of Justice during the investigation.
