BREAKING: Former California Governor Gavin Newsom’s chief of staff, Dana Williamson, has been federally indicted on serious allegations of stealing $225,000 from former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. The indictment, announced today by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, reveals a troubling conspiracy involving multiple former aides.
Williamson, 53, who held her position from 2023 until December 2024, is accused of collaborating with Sean McCluskie, Becerra’s former chief of staff, and lobbyist Greg Campbell, among others. They allegedly devised a scheme to siphon funds from Becerra’s political campaign account under false pretenses, specifically to make payments to McCluskie’s wife for nonexistent services. The payments, which started in late 2022 at $10,000 per month, totalled $225,000 by the fall of 2024.
According to the indictment, no services were rendered, raising serious ethical concerns. In addition, Williamson is accused of filing false tax returns, falsely claiming over $1 million in business deductions for personal expenses, including private jet travel and luxury items. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for bank fraud and conspiracy charges, along with substantial fines.
In response to the indictment, Becerra expressed deep disappointment, stating, “The news today of formal accusations of impropriety by a long-serving trusted advisor are a gut punch.” He confirmed his cooperation with the U.S. Department of Justice, emphasizing the importance of a thorough legal process.
Williamson’s connection to Newsom’s administration has raised eyebrows. His spokesperson, Izzy Gardon, clarified that Williamson is no longer part of the governor’s team. “The Governor expects all public servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity,” Gardon stated. He added that, especially in light of the current political climate, it’s crucial to adhere to the principle of being innocent until proven guilty.
This developing story has significant implications for California’s political landscape. As legal proceedings unfold, many are watching closely to see how these allegations will affect public trust in government officials.
Stay tuned for updates as this urgent situation evolves.
