SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Dana Williamson, a former chief of staff to California Governor Gavin Newsom, has been indicted on federal charges for her alleged involvement in a campaign finance fraud scheme.
Williamson was arrested and is scheduled to appear in court in Sacramento. The allegations suggest she and co-conspirators siphoned off approximately $225,000 from a dormant campaign account associated with former federal Health Secretary Xavier Becerra. Notably, Becerra himself is not implicated in the indictment.
The indictment specifies that Williamson began her scheme in April 2022, utilizing her political consulting firm to bill Becerra's campaign for fictitious services, which then directed funds to a third party allegedly connected to McCluskie, a former chief of staff under Becerra.
When Williamson was appointed to Newsom's office in late 2022, she reportedly arranged for a co-conspirator to take her place in the operation. In total, Williamson faces 23 charges, including conspiracy to commit their associated offenses.
A representative for Governor Newsom expressed that Williamson no longer serves in the administration and emphasized the necessity for public officials to maintain high standards of integrity.
If convicted, Williamson could face a lengthy prison term, highlighting the serious nature of these allegations within California's political landscape.
