Senior California Political Figure Faces Multiple Federal Charges
A former top aide to California Governor Gavin Newsom has been indicted on federal charges alleging her participation in a sophisticated scheme to embezzle campaign money from former US Health Secretary Xavier Becerra.
Dana Williamson was arrested and scheduled for her first court appearance in Sacramento on Wednesday 12 November 2025. It remains unclear whether she has legal representation to speak on her behalf regarding the serious allegations.
The Elaborate Money Diversion Scheme
The federal indictment names four additional co-conspirators and alleges that Williamson collaborated with Sean McCluskie, who served as Becerra's chief of staff during the period of the suspected illegal activity. Becerra, a former California attorney general appointed health secretary by President Joe Biden, is not implicated in the indictment.
According to court documents, Williamson and McCluskie established a system to extract money from Becerra's dormant campaign account, funnelling approximately $225,000 to McCluskie over more than two years.
The scheme allegedly began in April 2022 when Williamson used her political consulting firm to invoice Becerra's campaign account for services that were never actually provided. The funds were then directed to McCluskie's wife for supposedly completed work for Williamson's company.
Additional Fraud Charges and Cover-Up Attempts
When Williamson prepared to join Newsom's administration in late 2022, she allegedly arranged for an unnamed former public official, identified as "Co-Conspirator 2," to continue the fraudulent operation.
Prosecutors have also charged Williamson with falsifying business contracts related to Paycheck Protection Program loans her company received during the COVID-19 pandemic. She reportedly requested an associate to create a retroactive contract falsely stating her firm had provided services to his company, making her eligible for both the loans and subsequent loan forgiveness.
The indictment further accuses Williamson of submitting fraudulent tax returns for her business between 2021 and 2023, claiming over $1 million in business deductions for clearly personal expenses. These included luxury handbags and jewellery, private jet travel, Mexican holidays, home HVAC system installation, and hundreds of thousands paid to relatives for non-existent jobs.
Legal Consequences and Political Fallout
McCluskie signed a plea agreement on 30 October, agreeing to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud and to pay $225,000 in restitution to Becerra's campaign.
Williamson, who served as Newsom's chief of staff until late 2024, faces 23 federal charges including conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, bank fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstructing justice, subscribing to false tax returns, and making false statements. If convicted on all counts, she could potentially receive a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
A spokesperson for Governor Newsom stated: "Ms Williamson no longer serves in this administration. While we are still learning details of the allegations, the Governor expects all public servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity." Becerra could not be immediately reached for comment.
FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel confirmed the investigation began more than three years ago, indicating it commenced during the Biden administration. Williamson, a longstanding Democratic power player in Sacramento, previously served as cabinet secretary for former Governor Jerry Brown before establishing her own political affairs firm. She also managed Becerra's 2018 campaign for attorney general before returning to state government as Newsom's chief of staff.
