Former Aide of Governor Newsom Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charges

Dana Williamson, a former top aide to California Governor Gavin Newsom, has admitted guilt to federal fraud and tax charges as part of a plea agreement. This follows allegations that she misappropriated campaign funds from gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra, who previously led the Health and Human Services department.

Williamson, who was chief of staff for Newsom from 2022 to 2024, appeared in a Sacramento courthouse on Thursday. During her appearance, she pleaded guilty to various charges, including conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, filing a false tax return, and providing misleading information to the FBI, according to court documents from the Eastern District of California.

In a tweet, a reporter noted Williamson’s silence when exiting federal court after her guilty plea to three felonies tied to Becerra’s campaign funds.

“Dana Williamson and her co-conspirators weaponized public trust for personal gain. They stole from a campaign account, fabricated contracts, filed false tax returns, and lied to federal agents,” stated Sid Patel, an FBI Special Agent in Charge. “No title and no political connection places anyone above the law.”

Last November, Williamson was arrested on 23 counts related to an alleged scheme that siphoned $225,000 from one of Becerra’s inactive campaign accounts. Prosecutors say these funds were used for personal expenses, including a lavish $150,000 birthday trip to Mexico and significant purchases of luxury handbags.

Williamson’s alleged actions reportedly involved collusion with Becerra’s former chief of staff Sean McCluskie and lobbyist Greg Campbell to redirect campaign funds to cover expenses linked to McCluskie’s wife, following Becerra’s appointment at HHS under President Biden.

“These conspirators, three of whom are former public officials, shockingly looted campaign funds for personal benefit,” stated U.S. Attorney Eric Grant. “Our office and our law enforcement partners will continue working to protect the integrity of the electoral process.”

While prosecutors have not implicated Becerra in any wrongdoing, the situation has raised questions about his campaign as he leads the Democratic race for California governor. Becerra denied any awareness of Williamson’s financial actions but faced intense scrutiny about his connections to the investigation.

After a rally on Monday, he expressed that he is “moving forward” and emphasized that everyone involved will face accountability regarding their actions.

Williamson’s case status hearings have been postponed multiple times as her attorney requested additional time to review the case, particularly as she recovers from a liver transplant.