Ex-Newsom Chief of Staff Dana Williamson Indicted on 23 Federal Corruption and Fraud Charges

Former Newsom chief of staff indicted in broad federal probe

Federal prosecutors this week arrested and indicted Dana Williamson, the former chief of staff to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, on a 23-count federal indictment alleging a wide-ranging scheme of campaign fund diversion, bank and wire fraud, false tax returns and false statements. Williamson was placed on leave in November 2024 after telling Newsom's office she was under criminal investigation; her leave was not publicly disclosed at the time. Newsom’s office later announced her departure and named a successor in December.

What prosecutors allege

According to the indictment, prosecutors allege Williamson helped orchestrate a plan to siphon roughly $225,000 from a dormant state campaign account tied to former U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra to supplement the pay of a longtime Becerra aide, Sean McCluskie, after he accepted a lower-paying role as chief of staff in Washington. Prosecutors say Williamson then arranged for a different, unnamed former public official to take over the operation when she joined Newsom’s office.

The indictment also alleges Williamson falsified business contracts connected to Paycheck Protection Program loans her firm received during the COVID-19 pandemic and filed fraudulent tax returns from 2021 through 2023 claiming more than $1 million in business deductions for what prosecutors describe as personal expenses. Examples listed by investigators include luxury handbags and jewelry, private-jet travel, vacations in Mexico, installation of a home HVAC system, and payments to relatives for purported jobs that prosecutors say were sham positions.

Charges and pleas

The 23-count indictment, first reported by The Sacramento Bee, includes counts of 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. Williamson pleaded not guilty at her federal court appearance. If convicted, some counts carry potential sentences that could total decades in prison.

Co‑defendants and related pleas

Federal prosecutors named four other co-conspirators. McCluskie signed a plea agreement on Oct. 30 admitting to one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. Lobbyist Greg Campbell also entered a plea deal admitting to one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. A fourth co-conspirator who allegedly took over the payments after Williamson left the operation remains unnamed in court filings.

Newsom, Becerra and political fallout

Neither Gov. Gavin Newsom nor Xavier Becerra is charged in the indictment. Becerra, who is running for California governor, described the news as “a gut punch.” Newsom’s office said the governor was unaware of any investigation involving him. Williamson’s attorney, former U.S. Attorney McGregor Scott, told the Los Angeles Times that federal agents had asked Williamson more than a year ago to cooperate in a probe that included questions about the governor; Scott said Williamson told investigators she had no information to provide.

“She told them she had no information to provide them, and then we wind up today with these charges,” said McGregor Scott, who also criticized the way the arrest was handled and noted Williamson faces serious health challenges.

Release conditions and next steps

Williamson was released on a $500,000 bond with travel restrictions; her house was listed as collateral. Conditions of release require surrendering her passport, abstaining from alcohol and drugs, and no contact with alleged co-conspirators. The next scheduled hearing is Dec. 11.

Background and context

Williamson is a longtime Democratic power broker in Sacramento. Her resume includes advisory roles for former Gov. Gray Davis, service as a cabinet secretary under Gov. Jerry Brown, leadership of her own political consulting firm, and serving as campaign manager for Becerra’s 2018 run for state attorney general. She was appointed Newsom’s chief of staff in late 2022 and held the post for roughly two years, earning a reputation as a savvy and combative political operator.

Federal authorities say the investigation into Williamson began more than three years ago under the Biden administration. The arrest and indictment have reverberated through California political circles, prompting a range of reactions but relatively few public statements from Capitol insiders.

Note: All allegations are those of the indictment and have not been proven in court. Williamson has pleaded not guilty and is entitled to a presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.