Overview
- Dozens of California political figures, including some current and former members of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration, received FBI letters stating their communications were intercepted in 2024.
- The letters, signed by Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Siddhartha Patel, explain that notice is required under the Federal Wiretap Act and does not mean recipients were targets.
- Copies of the notices indicate interceptions occurred roughly from May through late July 2024, with some accounts citing May to June under a court order.
- Dana Williamson, Newsom’s former chief of staff, has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging she helped siphon about $225,000 from Becerra’s dormant campaign account and was released on $500,000 bail.
- Two associates, Sean McCluskie and lobbyist Greg Campbell, pleaded guilty earlier this month, while officials say neither Newsom nor Becerra is charged and Newsom did not receive a letter.