Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Ex-Newsom Aide Dana Williamson Indicted on Federal Corruption Charges
A former important helper for Governor Newsom, named Dana Williamson, has been accused of a crime.
Prosecutors say she worked with another person, who used to work for Xavier Becerra, to take money from an old campaign fund.
They allegedly moved about $225,000 over more than two years to the other person by making it look like they were doing something else.
Dana Williamson has been charged with many crimes related to this, like stealing and lying.
She could go to jail for up to 20 years if found guilty.
She used to have important jobs before this, including working for Governor Jerry Brown and managing Xavier Becerra's campaign.
Dana Williamson, former chief of staff to California Governor Gavin Newsom, has been arrested and indicted on federal corruption charges.
She is accused of participating in a scheme to embezzle campaign funds from former US Health Secretary Xavier Becerra's inactive account.
The indictment names Sean McCluskie, former chief of staff to Xavier Becerra, as a co-conspirator in the alleged scheme.
Williamson and McCluskie allegedly diverted approximately $225,000 to McCluskie over more than two years through disguised transactions.
Williamson faces 23 counts, including conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, and potentially up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
- Who
- Dana Williamson, former chief of staff to California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Sean McCluskie, former chief of staff to Xavier Becerra.
- What
- Dana Williamson was arrested and indicted on federal corruption charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, accused of participating in a scheme to embezzle campaign funds.
- When
- Williamson was arrested and presented in court on Wednesday.
- Where
- Sacramento, California
- Why
- Accused of devising a system to divert approximately $225,000 from Xavier Becerra's inactive campaign account to Sean McCluskie over a span of more than two years.
Prosecution
Defense
Conspiracy to Commit Wire and Bank Fraud
Prosecution
Williamson allegedly conspired with Sean McCluskie to divert approximately $225,000 from Xavier Becerra's inactive campaign account to McCluskie over two years through disguised transactions.
Defense
This viewpoint is not presented in the provided article.
Charges and Potential Sentence
Prosecution
Williamson faces 23 counts, including conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, bank fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction of justice, filing false tax returns, and making false statements, with a potential sentence of up to 20 years if convicted.
Defense
This viewpoint is not presented in the provided article.
- Name
- Dana Williamson
- Former Position
- Chief of Staff to California Governor Gavin Newsom
- Other Positions
- Cabinet secretary under former Gov. Jerry Brown, managed Xavier Becerra’s 2018 campaign
- Allegations
- Federal corruption charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, obstruction of justice, filing false tax returns, and making false statements.
- Amount Involved
- $225,000
- Alleged Recipient
- Sean McCluskie (former chief of staff to Xavier Becerra)
- Number of Counts
- 23
- Potential Sentence
- Up to 20 years
