California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s former chief of staff was hauled into federal court Wednesday, slapped with a 23-count indictment accusing her of plotting to steal $225,000 and funnel it to a friend, according to the Justice Department.
Dana Williamson, 53, now faces charges including conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, defrauding the United States, obstructing justice, filing false tax returns, and lying to investigators.
Prosecutors say Williamson helped orchestrate a brazen scheme to siphon cash from a dormant political campaign, quietly moving the money into a co-conspirator’s account for personal use.
“This is a crucial step in an ongoing political corruption investigation that began more than three years ago,” U.S. Attorney Eric Grant said. “As it always has, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to protect the people of California from political corruption.”
Court filings identify Sean McCluskie — then chief of staff to “Public Official 1,” later confirmed as former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra — as the recipient of the illicit funds.
Beginning in April 2022, Williamson allegedly used her consulting firm to bill Becerra’s campaign for services that were never performed, with the money routed to McCluskie’s wife in a classic “no-show job” arrangement.
As Williamson prepared to join Newsom’s office in late 2022, prosecutors say she scrambled to keep the scheme alive — tapping a former public official to take her place and continue the flow of fraudulent payments.
Williamson was Newsom’s chief of staff until late 2024.
“Ms. Williamson no longer serves in this administration,” a Newsom spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “While we are still learning details of the allegations, the governor expects all public servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity.
The investigation is ongoing, and federal agents are signaling that more shoes may be ready to drop.
More over at Fox News:
Former Gavin Newsom chief of staff charged in $225K fraud and corruption scheme, DOJ says https://t.co/J3SGCkEnDw
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