Charges Dropped Against Newsom’s Ex-Chief of Staff
Federal prosecutors have decided to drop 23 charges against Dana Williamson, who used to be Gavin Newsom’s chief of staff. Rather than affecting the political scene in Sacramento, the reaction seems to have caused a bit of a decline.
Williamson’s legal defense kicked off with a surprising appearance on Monday, and a Spot Fund donation campaign was initiated to help cover her costs. This wasn’t your usual crowdfunding effort—the goal aimed at raising $100,000—which quickly drew contributions from lobbyists, former state officials, and insiders in Sacramento.
The fundraising page, launched by Steve Maviglio, is noteworthy. He’s quite well-connected in California politics, having previously worked for prominent figures like Gov. Gray Davis and current Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and he played a role in political shifts during Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s administration.
According to the fundraiser, which expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support Williamson received, friends and family have rallied around her since the news broke. It described their collective outrage and loyalty as crucial while she faces a challenging legal battle.
The initial contribution of $1,000 came from Mark Krause, a Newsom appointee to the Public Employment Relations Board. Krause expressed his unwavering support with a heartfelt message: “We love you, Dana! Anything we can do! The Klaus family.” Krause has a background as a lobbyist for Pacific Gas & Electric.
Donations have also flowed in from other supporters, including $1,000 from an anonymous source, $500 from lobbyists Vicki and Christy Bar-Booma, and $250 from Michael Picker, a former Public Works Commission Chairman.
Williamson was indicted in early November on serious charges. Allegations include diverting $225,000 in campaign funds while claiming over $1 million in personal expenses—like private jet travel and luxury items—as deductions in falsified tax returns.
Court documents reveal that between February 2022 and September 2024, she allegedly conspired to misuse funds from a political operation that had gone inactive. After receiving a subpoena regarding a COVID-era PPP loan, it’s claimed she funneled money and created fake backdated contracts.
Williamson has pleaded not guilty, although she stands at a precarious position, having held significant roles in California politics and lobbying for various interests. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison and hefty fines for each count of bank and wire fraud, along with possible penalties for conspiracy and false tax returns.
In announcing the charges, Sid Patel, an FBI special agent, stated, “The FBI remains vigilant in uncovering fraud and corruption and is committed to holding our systems of government to the highest standards.” Meanwhile, Linda Nguyen from the IRS emphasized that disguising personal luxuries as business expenses is a serious offense with severe consequences.
This case is a result of a lengthy investigation by the FBI and IRS, led by a team of Assistant U.S. Attorneys and a Public Integrity Division Trial Attorney.
