Gavin Newsom's former aide Dana Williamson pleads guilty in $225,000 campaign fraud case

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: Dana Williamson, the former Chief of Staff to California Governor Gavin Newsom, pleaded guilty on Thursday, May 14, to multiple federal fraud and tax charges as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors in Sacramento.

Williamson, a longtime California political operative and influential Sacramento figure, entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, subscribing to a false tax return and making false statements in federal court.

The case centers on allegations that Williamson and her associates diverted money from a dormant political campaign account to fund personal expenses and luxury purchases.

Prosecutors alleged the scheme involved approximately $225,000 and included fabricated contracts, false tax filings and misleading statements to federal investigators.

Prosecutors allege campaign funds were used for personal expenses

Williamson appeared at the Robert T Matsui US Courthouse in Sacramento, in which, Federal prosecutors described Williamson as the central figure in a scheme involving the dormant campaign account of Xavier Becerra, the former California attorney general and current gubernatorial candidate.

Becerra, identified in court filings as “Public Official 1,” has not been accused of wrongdoing.

According to prosecutors, Williamson funneled campaign funds into accounts she controlled and later redirected money to Sean McCluskie, Becerra’s former chief of staff. Court filings alleged the transfers occurred after McCluskie expressed a desire to “have more money.”

McCluskie and lobbyist Greg Campbell, both named as co-conspirators in the investigation, have also pleaded guilty in connection with the case. 

Federal authorities alleged that campaign funds were used to cover personal expenses, including what prosecutors described as a $150,000 birthday trip to Mexico, luxury designer purchases from Chanel and Fendi, and improvements to Williamson’s home, including an HVAC system.

The indictment also accused the co-conspirators of arranging a no-show job for McCluskie’s wife after Becerra joined the Biden administration as Secretary of Health and Human Services. 

“These conspirators, three of whom are former public officials, shockingly looted campaign funds for personal benefit,” US Attorney Eric Grant said in a statement. 

FBI says public trust was exploited in fraud scheme

Federal investigators said the case reflected a broader abuse of political influence and public trust by senior California political operatives. 

“Dana Williamson and her co-conspirators weaponized public trust for personal gain,” FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel said in a statement.

“They stole from a campaign account, fabricated contracts, filed false tax returns, and lied to federal agents … No title and no political connection places anyone above the law,” Patel added.

Williamson served as Newsom’s Chief of Staff between 2022 and 2024 and previously advised former California Governors Jerry Brown and Gray Davis through her public affairs work.

Governor Newsom was not named in the federal filings, and there have been no allegations of wrongdoing involving his administration.

The scandal has nevertheless drawn attention to Becerra’s political circle as he campaigns for governor of California. Becerra has repeatedly denied any knowledge of the activities described by prosecutors.

Asked earlier this week whether he believed he was implicated in the investigation, Becerra said he was “moving forward” and that “everyone will be accountable for their actions.”

“We feel very comfortable and confident about this election,” he added.