A former chief of staff for California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has admitted guilt in a corruption case linked to another prominent Democrat eyeing the governor’s position.
Dana Williamson, 53, was serving as a liaison for Newsom when she entered her guilty plea in federal court. The charges included conspiracy to commit bank fraud, wire fraud, filing false tax returns, and making false statements to federal officials over a period from 2022 to 2024.
As detailed in her plea deal, Williamson participated in a money laundering operation alongside co-conspirators Sean McCluskey and Greg Campbell. Between February 2022 and November 2024, they misappropriated funds from McCluskey’s boss’ inactive campaign, overbilled for consulting services, funneled money to Campbell, who then sent it to McCluskey disguised as payment for “no-show” work for McCluskey’s spouse.
Even after joining Newsom’s staff, Williamson stayed connected to the program but managed to pass responsibilities to another individual, according to the agreement.
McCluskey was previously under the supervision of Xavier Becerra, now Biden’s Secretary of Health and Human Services and a former California Attorney General who is running for governor. Becerra’s campaign reportedly lost around $225,000 due to this scheme, a sum Williamson has been ordered to repay.
Becerra, while not mentioned in the plea deal and not charged with any wrongdoing, faced scrutiny about why he was unaware of the substantial theft. He described the betrayal by McCluskey as a “gut punch” and asserted his full cooperation with the investigation.
Newsom’s name isn’t in the plea documents either. During a press conference, he expressed condolences for Williamson’s family concerning her plea while also emphasizing the importance of accountability.
Sources close to Newsom indicated that he placed Williamson on administrative leave once the allegations emerged, despite no evidence of criminal conduct by her being observed in the office. Williamson resigned shortly thereafter.
On top of the theft from Becerra attributed to McCluskey, Williamson filed tax returns falsely reporting over $1.7 million in business expenses that were actually for personal luxuries, food delivery, private jets, veterinary costs, and other non-deductible expenses.
She also provided misleading information to federal authorities. Currently, Williamson could face nearly 40 years in prison along with more than $2 million in fines and restitution, with her sentencing scheduled for July 9.
McCluskey pleaded guilty in November to one count of conspiracy for fraud, while Campbell followed with a guilty plea the next month for multiple charges, including conspiracy against the United States. Both are set for sentencing on June 4.
Recent polling in California’s gubernatorial race shows Becerra’s popularity on the rise, particularly after former Representative Eric Swalwell withdrew from the race amid his own scandal. The primary is slated for June 2, and the top two candidates, regardless of party, will proceed to the general election in November.
Polling averages indicate Becerra is currently tied with Republican Steve Hilton.
