Former California Governor Gavin Newsom's top aide Dana Williamson faces corruption charges in a sweeping case involving bank and wire fraud, with 23 counts filed against her by federal authorities. The allegations come after a three-year investigation, during which it was discovered that Williamson had allegedly diverted approximately $225,000 from a dormant campaign account linked to former California Democrat Xavier Becerra.
Becerra previously served as the state's Representative for over a decade and later as Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Biden administration. Williamson served as Newsom's chief of staff in 2022, but her tenure ended in December 2024.
Prosecutors claim that starting in April 2022, Williamson paid monthly sums to an entity controlled by longtime Democratic operative Greg Campbell, which then transferred funds into a bank account managed by Sean McCluskie. The DOJ alleges that this was done to disguise personal expenses, including luxury goods and private jet travel, as business-related expenditures.
Furthermore, it is accused that Williamson filed false tax returns, claiming nearly $1 million in personal spending as business expenses, while also creating fake contracts to obtain pandemic relief loans.
McCluskie has already signed a plea deal agreeing to plead to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, with restitution payments to Becerra totaling $225,000. If convicted, Williamson could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count.
As the investigation continues, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant stated that this case is "a crucial step" in protecting California from political corruption, while Xavier Becerra expressed his disappointment over the allegations against his former aide. The FBI remains vigilant in uncovering fraud and corruption to ensure government systems are held to high standards.
Becerra previously served as the state's Representative for over a decade and later as Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Biden administration. Williamson served as Newsom's chief of staff in 2022, but her tenure ended in December 2024.
Prosecutors claim that starting in April 2022, Williamson paid monthly sums to an entity controlled by longtime Democratic operative Greg Campbell, which then transferred funds into a bank account managed by Sean McCluskie. The DOJ alleges that this was done to disguise personal expenses, including luxury goods and private jet travel, as business-related expenditures.
Furthermore, it is accused that Williamson filed false tax returns, claiming nearly $1 million in personal spending as business expenses, while also creating fake contracts to obtain pandemic relief loans.
McCluskie has already signed a plea deal agreeing to plead to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, with restitution payments to Becerra totaling $225,000. If convicted, Williamson could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count.
As the investigation continues, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant stated that this case is "a crucial step" in protecting California from political corruption, while Xavier Becerra expressed his disappointment over the allegations against his former aide. The FBI remains vigilant in uncovering fraud and corruption to ensure government systems are held to high standards.
... Corruption at such a high level is so concerning, especially when it involves people in positions of power like Dana Williamson and Xavier Becerra. It's like, how could they do this? Diverting funds from campaign accounts to fund personal expenses? Creating fake contracts just to get pandemic relief loans? It's just so shady 
... And the fact that she was able to avoid detection for three years is just mind-boggling... I feel like we need to get to the bottom of this and make sure justice is served 
... This case might be a good reminder that no one is above the law, not even if they're high up in politics 
. You gotta wonder how far this goes, too - what else was she cooking the books on? And those fake contracts for pandemic relief loans? That's just low 
.
. Becerra's disappointment doesn't surprise me either - you can bet your bottom dollar he knew something was up 
. Ugh, this just goes to show that everyone's not as pure as they seem 
. It's almost as if the wheels of fate have led us to this moment, where a once-trusted aide like Dana Williamson has found herself entangled in the very web she may have sought to navigate with skill and cunning. The question remains: what drives individuals to compromise their principles for personal gain? Is it the insatiable hunger for power or the fleeting allure of luxury? As we watch this unfolding drama, we're forced to confront our own capacity for moral compromise – can we truly say that we'd be immune from such temptation?
. But at the same time, I'm glad that the FBI is keeping a close eye on this and working hard to hold people accountable 
. We need more people like Eric Grant who are willing to take on corruption head-on 
. And to whoever's behind all this (Greg Campbell anyone?), let me just say... you're not above the law 
!
Dana Williamson thought she was above the law, but now she's facing 20 yrs in prison lol what a waste of taxpayer $$ money that Greg Campbell must be raking it in 
meanwhile, Becerra's like "what's good fam?" 
still got some skeletons in his closet tho. How much more corruption can we take in Cali?