Dana Williamson, a former top aide to California Governor Gavin Newsom, has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly orchestrating a scheme to steal more than $225,000 from the campaign of Xavier Becerra, the former US health secretary. The 23-count indictment, unsealed upon her arrest, includes charges of bank and wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the US. Williamson is scheduled to appear in court in Sacramento on Wednesday.
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 this 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 disguised as payments for McCluskie's wife.
Williamson also faces allegations of creating false, backdated contracts after receiving a civil subpoena in 2024 and inflating business deductions on her tax returns, claiming over $1 million for items such as designer handbags, private jet travel, and luxury hotel stays. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison.
Neither Becerra nor Newsom are implicated in the indictment. Becerra expressed shock at the allegations, stating he voluntarily cooperated with the investigation. A spokesperson for Newsom emphasised the importance of the presumption of innocence, noting that Williamson has not worked with the administration for the past year while under investigation.
