Lawyers for Dana Williamson, a former aide to Gavin Newsom, have argued that she was merely “helping a friend” when she pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme that diverted $225,000 in campaign funds. They are pushing for a lighter sentence for Williamson, who is now facing significant legal consequences.
Williamson’s attorney, McGregor Scott, emphasized that she was not the mastermind behind the fraudulent activities that involved siphoning funds from the inactive campaign accounts of former attorney general and current gubernatorial frontrunner, Xavier Becerra. Instead, Scott insists that the idea originated with Sean McCluskey.
Scott explained this outside the Robert T. Matsui U.S. Courthouse in Sacramento, detailing how McCluskey repeatedly pressed Williamson about the scheme through numerous messages and requests.
McCluskey’s wife was reportedly earning $10,000 a month for work she didn’t perform while serving as Becerra’s chief of staff, as her husband worked as the Health and Human Services director under former President Biden.
Last year, McCluskey admitted guilt in relation to the scheme but claimed that he was in need of more funds. Williamson, facing charges related to the misappropriation of the campaign money, has acknowledged her role in conspiracy to commit bank fraud, among other offenses.
Scott also described Williamson’s motives as “altruistic and heartbreaking,” suggesting that her intent was simply to assist a friend during tough times. He reiterated, “She was just trying to help her friend in a pinch.”
According to the plea agreement, Williamson could be sentenced to a maximum of 38 years in prison and be fined over $1 million. Despite this, Becerra has consistently denied any involvement in the extortion of campaign funds.
He asserted, “Today confirms what I’ve said since day one: I did nothing wrong. The case is closed,” in a statement shared on social media.
Williamson confessed to making false statements regarding her actions, while the purpose behind the charges remains a point of contention. Recently, Becerra’s opponents in the gubernatorial race have hinted that there might be incriminating evidence against him, noting previous comments from Williamson’s attorney that suggested Becerra had knowledge of the payments.
A spokesperson from the U.S. attorney’s office reported that Becerra had not been privy to the charging documents, according to The Sacramento Bee.
