Dana Williamson, a former top aide to California Governor Gavin Newsom, has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly orchestrating a scheme to steal over $225,000 from the campaign of Xavier Becerra, the former US health secretary. The indictment, unsealed upon her arrest, includes 23 counts of bank and wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the US. Williamson is scheduled to appear in court in Sacramento.
According to the indictment, between February 2022 and 2024, funds were diverted from Becerra's political campaign to an associate's personal use. Williamson, who served as Newsom's chief of staff during part of that period, is accused of working with Sean McCluskie, Becerra's former chief of staff, and lobbyist Greg Campbell to funnel money from a dormant campaign account, disguising payments as salary for McCluskie's wife.
Williamson is also accused of creating false, backdated contracts after receiving a civil subpoena in 2024 and inflating business deductions on her tax returns by over $1 million, claiming expenses for designer handbags, private jet travel, and luxury hotels. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison.
Becerra, who is not implicated in the indictment, expressed shock at the allegations and stated he is cooperating with the investigation. Newsom's office emphasised the importance of the presumption of innocence, noting that Williamson has not worked for the administration in the past year. The case is part of a broader investigation into political corruption.
