Former Gov. Newsom Chief of Staff Indicted in Federal Corruption Case

Dana Williamson, who served as Chief of Staff to Governor Gavin Newsom from 2022 to 2024, was indicted Wednesday on 23 federal charges following a multiyear corruption investigation, prosecutors announced.

A federal grand jury charged Williamson, 53, of Carmichael, with conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction of justice, filing false tax returns, and making false statements. She was taken into custody the same day the indictment was unsealed, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.

Prosecutors allege that Williamson helped orchestrate a scheme to misappropriate $225,000 from a dormant campaign account tied to Xavier Becerra, the former California Attorney General and current U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary. The funds were allegedly diverted to Becerra’s former chief of staff, Sean McCluskie, through a network of third parties and falsified consulting payments.

Court documents say the money was funneled from Becerra’s campaign account into a consulting firm run by Sacramento lobbyist Greg Campbell. That firm then sent monthly payments to a payroll provider, which in turn issued paychecks nominally for services provided by McCluskie’s spouse. Prosecutors say no actual work was performed.

Williamson, who led Newsom’s office while under federal investigation, is also accused of disguising roughly $1 million in personal spending as business expenses on her tax returns. The indictment lists private jet travel, luxury hotel stays, designer goods, and home upgrades among the falsely claimed deductions. Specific examples include a $21,000 charter jet trip, an $11,000 yacht rental, luxury items from Chanel, and a $10,000 family payment.

Prosecutors say Williamson lied to federal agents during questioning about the scheme involving Becerra’s campaign funds. In addition, she is suspected of leaking internal government information to a company connected to litigation involving the state.

IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent Linda Nguyen said the case highlights the criminal risks of using fraudulent deductions to reduce personal tax liability. “IRS-CI will pursue charges against those who deliberately exploit their business for personal enrichment,” Nguyen said.

Campbell and McCluskie are both cooperating with federal investigators. One co-conspirator referred to in court filings remains unnamed.

The case appears to have been active during Williamson’s time in the governor’s office. When she left her post in 2024, Newsom praised her service, calling her a “fighter” and expressing gratitude for her contributions to the state.

The ongoing investigation is led by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Sacramento. A trial date has not been announced.