Key points: Dana Williamson, former chief of staff to Gov. Gavin Newsom, was arrested on a 23-count indictment charging fraud, falsified tax returns and related crimes; the most serious counts carry up to 20 years in prison. Prosecutors allege roughly $225,000 was diverted from a dormant campaign account described in the indictment as belonging to "Public Official 1," language that aligns with details about Xavier Becerra, who is not accused of wrongdoing. Sean McCluskie, a former Becerra aide, has entered a plea agreement and is cooperating with investigators. Williamson pleaded not guilty and was released on a $500,000 bond; the probe remains ongoing.
Former Newsom Chief of Staff Arrested in Corruption Probe Linked to Xavier Becerra Aide
Key points: Dana Williamson, former chief of staff to Gov. Gavin Newsom, was arrested on a 23-count indictment charging fraud, falsified tax returns and related crimes; the most serious counts carry up to 20 years in prison. Prosecutors allege roughly $225,000 was diverted from a dormant campaign account described in the indictment as belonging to "Public Official 1," language that aligns with details about Xavier Becerra, who is not accused of wrongdoing. Sean McCluskie, a former Becerra aide, has entered a plea agreement and is cooperating with investigators. Williamson pleaded not guilty and was released on a $500,000 bond; the probe remains ongoing.
07:22 AM, 11/14/2025Politics
Former Gavin Newsom Chief of Staff Arrested in Sacramento
The California Democratic Party is reeling after the arrest of Dana Williamson, a longtime political strategist who served as Gov. Gavin Newsom’s chief of staff from early 2023 until November 2024. Williamson was arrested in Sacramento on a 23-count indictment alleging fraud, falsified tax returns and related offenses; the most serious counts carry potential sentences of up to 20 years.
Allegations and charges
Prosecutors allege Williamson conspired with Sean McCluskie — a former top aide to Xavier Becerra who served as Becerra’s chief of staff at HHS and as his deputy when Becerra was California attorney general — to divert roughly $225,000 from a dormant campaign account described in the indictment as belonging to “Public Official 1.” The indictment describes that person in terms that match Mr. Becerra, who is not accused of wrongdoing.
Williamson also faces allegations that she falsified and backdated contracts to justify Paycheck Protection Program loans to her business, and that she claimed more than $1 million in personal expenses as tax deductions. Prosecutors say those expenses included private jet travel, luxury hotel stays, designer handbags and cash payments to friends and family.
Developments in the case
Williamson pleaded not guilty and was released on a $500,000 bond. McCluskie has entered a plea agreement and has agreed with the factual basis described by investigators; he faces a statutory maximum of up to five years in prison and a potential fine of up to $250,000, though cooperating defendants often receive reduced sentences.
Governor's office: "Ms. Williamson no longer serves in this administration," a spokesperson said. The office added that Williamson was placed on leave last year after informing them she was under criminal investigation and that the alleged misconduct did not occur while she served in the governor's office.
Xavier Becerra: Becerra called the news "a gut punch" and said he is voluntarily cooperating with the Justice Department’s inquiry.
The investigation and related legal proceedings are ongoing. Officials on all sides continue to respond as more information becomes available.