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Ex-Newsom Chief of Staff Dana Williamson Arrested as 23-Count Federal Indictment Is Unsealed

The case stems from a three-year corruption probe by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Sacramento with the FBI and IRS-CI.

Overview

  • Prosecutors allege Williamson and others diverted about $225,000 from a dormant campaign by routing payments through business entities to an associate’s personal use.
  • The indictment accuses her of filing false tax returns that improperly claimed more than $1 million in personal expenses as business deductions, including luxury travel and designer goods.
  • Court filings say she helped create false, backdated contracts after a January 2024 civil subpoena related to Paycheck Protection Program loans to her business.
  • Named co-conspirators include Sean McCluskie and Greg Campbell; McCluskie was charged Nov. 5, has a plea agreement, and agreed to pay $225,000 in restitution.
  • Newsom’s office said Williamson no longer serves in the administration, and Xavier Becerra is not implicated and says he is cooperating with investigators.