Dana Williamson, former chief of staff to Gavin Newsom, was indicted on November 12th on charges of embezzling $225,000 from a dormant political account.
According to the Sacramento Bee, Williamson appeared in federal court on November 12th in custody and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
She faces 23 federal charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and filing false tax returns. She was released on a $500,000 bond requiring the surrender of her passport, regular reporting, and the use of her home as collateral.
Federal prosecutors said the wire-fraud-related charges alone carry maximum penalties of 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines each. Co-conspirator Sean McCluskey accepted a plea deal on November 5th, and lobbyist Greg Campbell has also pleaded guilty and is cooperating with investigators.
According to the indictment, Williamson, McCluskey, and Campbell siphoned $225,000 from the dormant political account of former Health and Human Services Secretary Javier Becerra. Prosecutors said the group moved the money through a shell company and several personal accounts before sending the funds to McCluskey’s spouse.
Prosecutors stated that Williamson maintained this structure from February 2022 through September 2024, and that she continued directing operations through co-conspirators even after joining the Newsom administration.
Williamson is also charged with filing false tax returns by claiming about $1 million in personal expenses as business deductions. These expenses included a $15,353 Chanel bag, jewelry and a Fendi wallet, a $150,000 trip to a luxury resort in Mexico, $21,175 in private jet fees, and $19,000 in home HVAC replacement costs. She allegedly attempted to justify a Paycheck Protection Program loan by drafting a fraudulent contract.
A spokesperson for the Newsom Governor’s Office said Williamson had already left the office and stated that all public officials must uphold high standards of integrity, adding that the presumption of innocence applies. Former HHS Secretary Becerra, considered a potential 2026 California gubernatorial candidate, said the allegations against a longtime aide were “shocking” and that he is cooperating with federal investigators.
BY YOONJAE JUNG [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]
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