Dana Williamson, former chief of staff to Governor Gavin Newsom, has been federally charged with stealing $225,000 from a campaign account belonging to Xavier Becerra, the former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. The indictment, issued by a federal grand jury in Sacramento, accuses Williamson and four co-conspirators, including Becerra’s former chief of staff Sean McCluskie and lobbyist Greg Campbell, of funneling the funds under false pretenses.
According to CalMatters, the scheme involved disguising the funds as payments to McCluskie’s wife for monitoring the account. The indictment also alleges Williamson falsely claimed over $1.7 million in business expenses, including a $15,000 Chanel bag and a $170,000 birthday trip to Mexico.
Williamson, who served as Newsom’s chief of staff from 2022 to 2024, pleaded not guilty to 23 counts, including bank and wire fraud, during her arraignment in Sacramento. She was released on a $500,000 bond. The Guardian reports that Campbell and McCluskie have pleaded guilty and are cooperating with investigators.
Xavier Becerra, not implicated in the indictment, expressed his shock at the accusations against his former advisor. He is currently a candidate for California governor in 2026. Governor Newsom’s office has distanced itself from Williamson, emphasizing the importance of integrity in public service.
The investigation, led by the FBI and IRS, has been ongoing for three years. If convicted, Williamson could face up to 20 years in prison and significant fines. USA Today notes that the charges are part of a broader investigation into political corruption.
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