Executive Summary
- Dana Williamson, former chief of staff to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, has been arrested on federal charges of corruption, bank fraud, and wire fraud.
- The indictment alleges a scheme to divert $225,000 from a dormant campaign account of former Rep. Xavier Becerra for personal use.
- Williamson is also accused of fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 loans and filing false tax returns claiming over $1 million in personal luxury expenses as business deductions.
- A spokesperson for Gov. Newsom distanced the administration from Williamson, emphasizing the expectation of integrity from public servants.
Dana Williamson, a former chief of staff to California Governor Gavin Newsom, was arrested by federal officials Wednesday as part of a public corruption investigation. An indictment charges her and several others with conspiracy, bank fraud, and wire fraud related to the alleged misuse of political campaign funds.
The 23-count federal indictment names Williamson, 53, alongside Greg Campbell, Sean McCluskie, and two others. The 18 counts of bank and wire fraud each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Williamson, who recently departed the Governor’s Office, was taken into custody and is expected to appear in Sacramento federal court.
Prosecutors allege that the conspirators plotted to divert approximately $225,000 from a dormant state campaign account belonging to former U.S. Congressman Xavier Becerra. The funds were allegedly funneled for the personal use of McCluskie, a longtime former chief of staff to Becerra, by disguising payments to his spouse for a no-show job.
In addition to the campaign finance scheme, the indictment accuses Williamson of conspiring to create fraudulent contracts to obtain federal COVID-19 relief loans for her consulting firm. She also faces charges for filing false tax returns, allegedly claiming more than $1 million in personal expenses as business deductions. These expenses reportedly included luxury items such as designer handbags, jewelry, private jet travel, and a home heating system.
Court filings further allege that Williamson provided confidential government information to a company involved in litigation with the state and subsequently lied to the FBI about her actions. A spokesperson for Governor Newsom’s office stated that Williamson is no longer with the administration and that the governor expects all public servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity.
The case brings to light serious allegations of public corruption and financial crimes against a high-profile former government official. It is important to note that an indictment contains allegations, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
