Overview
- The former chief of staff to California Gov. Gavin Newsom pleaded not guilty at her initial Sacramento court appearance and was released by a judge.
- The indictment alleges Williamson and others diverted about $225,000 from a dormant campaign tied to Xavier Becerra to associate Sean McCluskie through business entities and a no-show job.
- Prosecutors say the conduct ran from February 2022 to September 2024 and includes conspiracy, bank and wire fraud, obstruction, filing false tax returns, and making false statements.
- Court filings accuse Williamson of claiming more than $1 million in personal luxury spending as business deductions and of using backdated contracts after a 2024 PPP-loan subpoena.
- McCluskie has pleaded guilty and agreed to pay $225,000 in restitution, while Newsom’s office and Becerra report cooperating with investigators as the probe continues.