Dana Williamson Indicted on Multiple Federal Charges

By SHR Media Staff

Federal Grand Jury Indicts Former Top Newsom Aide

SACRAMENTO — Dana Williamson, a longtime Democratic strategist and former chief of staff to California Governor Gavin Newsom, was arrested Wednesday and indicted on 23 federal counts tied to an alleged scheme to steal campaign funds and file false tax returns, according to federal prosecutors.

A federal grand jury charged Williamson with conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruct justice, subscribing to false tax returns and making false statements. The indictment was unsealed after her arrest on November 12.

Williamson was taken into custody in Sacramento and later appeared in federal court where she pleaded not guilty. A judge ordered her released under supervision on bond. Her conditions include surrendering her passport and avoiding all contact with listed co conspirators.

Allegations of Diverted Campaign Money

Prosecutors say that from February 2022 through September 2024 Williamson and several co conspirators diverted about 225,000 dollars from a dormant political campaign account connected to former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. Investigators say the money was routed through consulting firms and shell entities and ultimately funneled into an account controlled by Becerra’s then chief of staff, Sean McCluskie. McCluskies profile on Commonweal Ventures has been removed.

Obstruction Allegations and Pandemic Loan Concerns

Court documents outline monthly ten thousand dollar payments described as income for McCluskie’s spouse, even though investigators say no work was performed. The indictment also alleges that Williamson tried to create backdated contracts to obstruct a January 2024 subpoena related to pandemic era PPP loans.

Accusations of False Tax Returns

Prosecutors further allege that Williamson filed false tax returns for multiple years by claiming more than one million dollars in business deductions that investigators say were actually personal expenses. These include luxury travel, hotel stays, designer goods and payments to friends and relatives for no show work.

Two figures tied to the same flow of funds, McCluskie and Sacramento lobbyist Greg Campbell, have already taken plea deals on related conspiracy charges and agreed to repay money that was taken from the account.

Williamson has been a prominent figure in California Democratic politics for decades and previously served in former Governor Jerry Brown’s administration before running a political affairs firm and later joining the Newsom administration. The alleged fraud period overlaps with her time in the governor’s office, but Newsom is not named in the indictment.

Reactions From Newsom and Becerra

Becerra, identified in filings as the victim whose account was siphoned, called the accusations “a gut punch” and confirmed he is cooperating with federal investigators. He is not charged in the matter.

A spokesperson for Newsom said that Williamson no longer works in the administration and that the governor expects public officials to meet the highest standards of integrity while noting that she is entitled to a presumption of innocence.

Potential Penalties

If convicted, Williamson faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each count of bank fraud, wire fraud and related conspiracy charges, up to five years for conspiracy and false statements and up to three years for each false tax return count.

All charges remain allegations and Williamson is presumed innocent unless and until guilt is proven in court.

Editorial Closing

This report is part of SHR Media’s ongoing coverage of public corruption, federal investigations and California political accountability.

Sources

U.S. Department of Justice, Eastern District of California press release, November 12, 2025
Courthouse News Service coverage of the indictment
CalMatters reporting on the fraud allegations and timeline
Associated Press reporting via multiple local affiliates on arrest, arraignment and release conditions
KCRA, CapRadio and Sacramento Bee for supplemental verified details