SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a striking development, Dana Williamson, a former Chief of Staff to California Governor Gavin Newsom, was indicted on multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, stemming from her alleged involvement in an intricate scheme to misappropriate campaign funds from Xavier Becerra, the former federal Health Secretary. Williamson was arrested and brought before a court in Sacramento for her initial appearance. Alongside Williamson, the indictment also identifies four other individuals as co-conspirators, notably including Sean McCluskie, Becerra’s former chief of staff.
The charges detail a scheme wherein Williamson purportedly exploited a political consulting firm to falsely bill Becerra's campaign account, managing to siphon off around $225,000 over more than two years without his knowledge. Each count of fraud and conspiracy carries severe legal consequences, with Williamson facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Williamson's tenure in Newsom's administration has now come into question as she is reported to have manipulated various roles to facilitate the fraudulent scheme, including arranging for a successor to assume her duties during the scheme’s execution. This shocking disclosure follows a comprehensive investigation by the FBI that began three years ago, predating the Biden administration, highlighting the prolonged nature of this alleged fraudulent activity.
Newsom's office released a statement stressing the expectation that all public officials maintain integrity, adding that Williamson no longer serves in her role. The implications of this case extend beyond Williamson, as it encapsulates broader concerns regarding campaign finance integrity and governmental accountability.
The charges detail a scheme wherein Williamson purportedly exploited a political consulting firm to falsely bill Becerra's campaign account, managing to siphon off around $225,000 over more than two years without his knowledge. Each count of fraud and conspiracy carries severe legal consequences, with Williamson facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Williamson's tenure in Newsom's administration has now come into question as she is reported to have manipulated various roles to facilitate the fraudulent scheme, including arranging for a successor to assume her duties during the scheme’s execution. This shocking disclosure follows a comprehensive investigation by the FBI that began three years ago, predating the Biden administration, highlighting the prolonged nature of this alleged fraudulent activity.
Newsom's office released a statement stressing the expectation that all public officials maintain integrity, adding that Williamson no longer serves in her role. The implications of this case extend beyond Williamson, as it encapsulates broader concerns regarding campaign finance integrity and governmental accountability.
