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California Lobbyist Greg Campbell Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy in Federal Fraud Case

Prosecutors say about $225,000 was taken from a dormant campaign account for a former aide’s personal use.

Overview

  • Campbell admitted to one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States.
  • Court filings state Campbell, Sean McCluskie, and others diverted roughly $225,000 from former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra’s dormant state campaign and disguised payments as a no‑show job tied to McCluskie’s household.
  • Prosecutors say Campbell signed three retroactive contracts in July 2024 to help Dana Williamson portray lobbying work as non‑lobbying during a PPP loan inquiry, even though lobbying firms were ineligible for PPP relief.
  • McCluskie pleaded guilty on Nov. 20, 2025, while Williamson faces a 23‑count indictment and is due for a Dec. 11 status conference; she has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent.
  • The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation led the probe; sentencing for Campbell and McCluskie is set for Feb. 26, 2026, with each conspiracy count carrying up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and prosecutors said they will seek lower‑end sentences.