Greg Campbell, a lobbyist in Sacramento, has admitted guilt to charges of fraud and conspiracy in a federal investigation that has significantly impacted California’s Democratic political landscape.
Calmly, he entered his plea on Thursday, part of a lengthy corruption scheme involving prominent figures like former chief of staff to Governor Gavin Newsom and former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, who is currently campaigning to take over Newsom’s position.
His attorney, Todd Pickles, spoke to reporters, stating, “Mr. Campbell remains dedicated to his family and actively contributes to his community. He is deeply grateful for the support from his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Facing charges for conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit bank and wire fraud, Campbell is reportedly seeking a reduced sentence through his plea agreement, according to reports from the LA Times.
He is one of three Democratic figures indicted in a federal case alleging that Dana Williamson, a powerful lobbyist and former aide to Newsom, collaborated with Campbell and Sean McCluskey, Becerra’s ex-chief of staff, to misappropriate $225,000 from Becerra’s inactive campaign finance account to cover McCluskey’s spouse’s absentee work.
Just last month, McCluskey pleaded guilty to bank and wire fraud charges.
Williamson has also faced scrutiny for claiming over $1.7 million in tax deductions for personal expenses that included luxury items and extravagant trips. Campbell is accused of helping to fabricate a contract at Williamson’s request; she was under investigation regarding her company’s PPP loan eligibility when the alleged retroactive contract was created for her firm, Grace Public Affairs.
Williamson is contesting 23 charges, including bank and wire fraud. She has pleaded not guilty.
Steve Maviglio, a former aide to the governor, along with Gray Davis and Karen Bass, established a legal defense fund for Williamson, which has raised close to $9,000 so far. Noteworthy donors include Mark Krause, a former PG&E lobbyist appointed by Newsom to a public board.
Both Newsom and Becerra, who had served as California’s attorney general before joining the Biden administration, have denied any involvement or knowledge of the alleged scheme.
