Executive Summary
- The FBI has notified an unknown number of lobbyists that their communications were intercepted as part of a corruption investigation.
- The probe involves Gov. Gavin Newsom’s former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, and two others accused of stealing $225,000 from Xavier Becerra’s campaign funds.
- The investigation is reportedly linked to Williamson’s alleged interference in a state sexual harassment lawsuit against Activision Blizzard, a former client.
- Two of the accused, Sean McCluskie and Greg Campbell, have pleaded guilty to federal charges, while Williamson has pleaded not guilty.
The FBI has informed lobbyists in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., that their communications were intercepted as part of an ongoing corruption investigation that has implicated Dana Williamson, a former chief of staff to Gov. Gavin Newsom. The probe centers on the alleged theft of campaign funds from Xavier Becerra, the current U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.
According to letters sent by the FBI Sacramento Field Office, the surveillance was conducted in connection with a conspiracy case charging Williamson, former Deputy State Attorney General Sean McCluskie, and lobbyist Greg Campbell. The letters, dated last week, clarify that recipients are not necessarily targets of the investigation but are being notified as required by law.
Federal prosecutors allege the three conspired to steal $225,000 from Becerra’s campaign accounts to supplement McCluskie’s salary while he worked for Becerra. The indictment states the payments were disguised as remittances to McCluskie’s wife for a no-show job at Williamson’s consulting firm. McCluskie and Campbell have pleaded guilty to federal charges, while Williamson, who was arrested last Wednesday, has pleaded not guilty.
The investigation also appears connected to a 2021 state sexual harassment lawsuit against gaming company Activision Blizzard. Prosecutors allege Williamson, while serving as Newsom’s chief of staff, used her position to pressure state attorneys for a swift settlement with the company, which was a client of her consulting firm. Gov. Newsom’s office acknowledged that current and former administration members had received FBI letters but did not provide specifics.
Williamson faces separate charges of falsifying tax returns and lying to investigators. Neither Gov. Newsom nor Secretary Becerra has been charged in the probe. Becerra described the accusations against McCluskie, his aide of 20 years, as a “gut punch.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office has stated the investigation remains ongoing. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.