Former Newsom aide arrested and federally charged
Dana Williamson, 53, a longtime political consultant who served as California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s chief of staff from 2022 until about December 2024, was arrested and federally indicted on Nov. 12 on multiple charges alleging a scheme to divert roughly $225,000 from a dormant federal campaign account for personal use.
Charges and indictment details
A federal grand jury returned a 23-count indictment charging Williamson with conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to obstruct justice, subscribing to false tax returns, and making false statements, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. If convicted, several counts carry maximum penalties of decades in prison and substantial fines.
Court appearance and bond
Williamson appeared in federal court on the day of her indictment with attorney Matthew Rowan. According to reporting from the Sacramento Bee, she pleaded not guilty, surrendered her passport, agreed to regular check-ins with authorities, and put up her home to secure bond. She was released on $500,000 bond after initially being held in custody.
Allegations summarized
Federal prosecutors say that between February 2022 and September 2024 Williamson conspired with others to divert about $225,000 from the dormant campaign account of former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra for personal expenses. The indictment alleges some payments were disguised as consulting or payroll for a "no-show" job and routed through accounts controlled by co-conspirators.
Named in the indictment as alleged co-conspirators are Greg Campbell; Sean McCluskie; McCluskie’s spouse; and one additional individual. The Sacramento Bee reported that McCluskie previously served as chief of staff to Becerra, who is now running for governor of California.
Examples of alleged misused funds
According to the indictment, alleged personal purchases made with diverted funds include:
- A $15,353 Chanel handbag
- A $5,818 Fendi handbag and wallet
- An HVAC system installed at Williamson’s residence
- A $21,175 private jet charter
- A $15,662 luxury hotel stay for a birthday
Investigation and official statements
“This is a crucial step in an ongoing political corruption investigation that began more than three years ago,” U.S. Attorney Eric Grant said, adding that the office will continue working with law enforcement partners to protect Californians from political corruption.
FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel said the charges resulted from "three years of relentless investigative work" in coordination with IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Linda Nguyen, special agent in charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Oakland field office, said investigators allege Williamson "disguised personal luxuries as business expenses."
A spokesperson for Governor Newsom—who is not named in the indictment—confirmed that Williamson "no longer serves in this administration" and said the governor expects public servants to uphold high standards of integrity. The spokesperson also emphasized the principle that individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Background
Before joining Newsom’s administration, Williamson operated a public affairs and lobbying firm and worked with several California political figures, including former governors Jerry Brown and Gray Davis.
Potential penalties
If convicted, Williamson faces severe statutory penalties: up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of bank fraud, wire fraud and related conspiracy counts; up to five years and a $250,000 fine for each count alleging conspiracy to obstruct and making false statements; and up to three years and a $100,000 fine for each count of subscribing to a false tax return.
The case remains under active investigation. Williamson and her attorney did not comment to reporters after the hearing, and her attorney had not immediately responded to requests for comment.
