Dana Williamson, former chief of staff to California Governor Gavin Newsom, was arrested Wednesday and charged with multiple federal crimes for allegedly orchestrating a scheme to steal $225,000 and funnel the funds to a friend, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The 53-year-old faces a 23-count federal indictment that includes charges of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, defrauding the United States, obstructing justice, filing false tax returns, and making false statements to authorities.
Prosecutors allege that Williamson helped divert money from a dormant political campaign account into another person’s account for personal use.
“This is a crucial step in an ongoing political corruption investigation that began more than three years ago,” said U.S. Attorney Eric Grant. “Our office will continue to work tirelessly with law enforcement partners to protect the people of California from political corruption.”
Court documents identify Sean McCluskie as the co-conspirator who received the funds. At the time, McCluskie served as chief of staff for an individual referred to as “Public Official 1.” He had previously worked for former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, who was appointed to that role by President Joe Biden after serving as California’s attorney general.
Beginning in April 2022, Williamson allegedly used her political consulting firm to bill Becerra’s campaign for services. The payments were then routed to McCluskie’s wife for work that was never completed—essentially a “no-show job,” prosecutors said.
As Williamson prepared to join Newsom’s office in late 2022, she reportedly arranged for an unnamed former public official to take over her role in the fraudulent operation.
A Newsom spokesperson confirmed Williamson no longer works for the administration.
“While we are still learning details of the allegations, the Governor expects all public servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity,” the spokesperson said.
“At a time when the President is openly calling for his Attorney General to investigate his political enemies, it is especially important to remember the American principle of being innocent until proven guilty.”
The investigation began during the Biden administration, and the indictment does not mention Newsom.
Federal prosecutors also allege that Williamson worked with a business associate to create false, backdated contracts after receiving a civil subpoena in January 2024 from the U.S. Attorney’s Office regarding Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans tied to her business.
“Disguising personal luxuries as business expenses—especially to claim improper tax deductions or to willfully file fraudulent tax returns—is a serious criminal offense with severe consequences,” said Linda Nguyen, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Oakland Field Office.
Leave a Comment