Dana Williamson, 53, a former chief of staff to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, pleaded not guilty Wednesday after federal prosecutors unsealed a 23-count indictment alleging a scheme to divert money from a dormant campaign account and to claim more than $1 million in improper tax deductions.
Federal prosecutors on Wednesday unsealed a 23-count indictment charging Dana Williamson with conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruct justice, subscribing to false tax returns, and making false statements. According to court filings, the case stems from a multiyear public-corruption investigation by the FBI and IRS.
Prosecutors allege that from February 2022 through September 2024, Williamson worked with lobbyist Greg Campbell and Sean McCluskie, then the chief of staff to former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, to funnel about $225,000 from Becerra’s dormant state campaign account through consulting entities and into an account controlled by McCluskie. Court records show McCluskie and Campbell have entered plea agreements in connection with the probe. Becerra, now a candidate for California governor, is not accused of wrongdoing and has cooperated with investigators, according to his public statement and the indictment’s description of “Public Official 1.”
“This is a crucial step in an ongoing political corruption investigation that began more than three years ago,” U.S. Attorney Eric Grant said in announcing the charges, adding that his office will continue working with law enforcement partners “to protect the people of California from political corruption.”
The indictment also accuses Williamson of subscribing to false tax returns by claiming more than $1 million in personal expenditures as business deductions. Items identified in charging documents include designer handbags, private jet travel, luxury hotel stays, and home furnishings. People magazine, citing the indictment, reported specific examples such as a $15,353 Chanel handbag, a $5,818 Fendi handbag and wallet, a $21,175 private jet charter, and a $15,662 luxury hotel stay for her birthday.
Williamson appeared in federal court in Sacramento and entered a not guilty plea. She left the courthouse without commenting, according to video posted by reporter Ashley Zavala. In comments reported by the Los Angeles Times, her attorney, McGregor Scott, criticized the manner of her arrest as “grandstanding.”
If convicted, Williamson faces potential prison terms of up to 20 years on the most serious counts, along with substantial fines. The charges do not concern her work in the governor’s office. Court filings indicate Williamson joined Newsom’s administration in late 2022 and served as chief of staff until about December 2024.
Becerra called the accusations against a longtime adviser “a gut punch” and said he has voluntarily cooperated with the Justice Department. Newsom’s office said Williamson no longer serves in the administration and emphasized the presumption of innocence.