A former senior aide to California Governor Gavin Newsom, Dana Williamson, has been indicted in a sweeping federal case accusing her of stealing campaign funds from former U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra. Prosecutors allege Williamson conspired with several associates to funnel more than $225,000 from Becerra’s campaign account into personal luxuries. The charges, which include bank and wire fraud, mark one of the most high-profile corruption cases to hit California’s Democratic establishment in years.
Federal Indictment Unsealed
Williamson was arrested and indicted on 23 counts of fraud and conspiracy to defraud the U.S., according to the Department of Justice. She was scheduled to make her first court appearance in Sacramento on Wednesday. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison. Federal officials have not confirmed whether Williamson has retained legal representation. The indictment accuses her of diverting campaign funds for personal gain and falsifying records to conceal the theft.
Longtime Political Insider
Before her arrest, Williamson held several influential positions in California politics. She served as a cabinet secretary under former Governor Jerry Brown, managed Becerra’s 2018 campaign for attorney general, and later became Governor Newsom’s chief of staff. Known as a well-connected political strategist, she ran her own political affairs firm before returning to public service. Her tenure in state government made her one of the most trusted figures in Sacramento’s Democratic circles, adding gravity to the charges now leveled against her.
Alleged Money Diversion Scheme
Prosecutors say roughly $225,000 was siphoned from Becerra’s campaign accounts between February 2022 and 2024, overlapping with Williamson’s time in the Newsom administration. The funds were allegedly redirected for an associate’s “personal use.” The indictment outlines how Williamson, along with co-conspirators, transferred money from dormant accounts while disguising the transactions as legitimate campaign expenses.
Co-Conspirators and False Contracts
The federal filing names several others implicated in the plot, including Sean McCluskie, who served as Becerra’s chief of staff, and Sacramento lobbyist Greg Campbell. The indictment alleges they funneled funds disguised as payments to McCluskie’s wife, who was not employed. When the U.S. attorney’s office issued a civil subpoena in 2024, Williamson allegedly created false, backdated contracts to cover her tracks. Prosecutors also claim she filed inflated tax returns, listing more than $1 million in false business deductions for private jets, designer handbags, and luxury hotels.
IRS Condemns ‘Personal Enrichment’
Federal investigators sharply criticized Williamson’s alleged misuse of political and business resources. “Disguising personal luxuries as business expenses – especially to claim improper tax deductions or to willfully file fraudulent tax returns – is a serious criminal offense with severe consequences,” said Linda Nguyen, IRS Criminal Investigation special agent in charge in Oakland. She added, “IRS-CI will pursue charges against those who deliberately exploit their business for personal enrichment.”
Becerra Responds to Indictment
Xavier Becerra, now serving as U.S. The Health Secretary under President Biden is not accused of wrongdoing. In a statement to the San Francisco Chronicle, Becerra called the news “a gut punch” and said he had fully cooperated with investigators. “As California’s former Attorney General, I fully comprehend the importance of allowing this investigation and legal process to run its course through our justice system,” he wrote.
Newsom Distances Administration
Governor Gavin Newsom, who was not named in the indictment, has sought to distance his office from the case. Williamson had not been working in his administration during the past year due to the ongoing investigation. “While we are still learning details of the allegations, the Governor expects all public servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity,” said a spokesperson for Newsom. The spokesperson added that, amid heightened political tensions, “it is especially important to honor the American principle of being innocent until proven guilty in a court of law by a jury of one’s peers.”