Dana Williamson Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Tax Charges in California Campaign Funds Case

Dana Williamson, a former top aide to Gov. Gavin Newsom, pleaded guilty Thursday in Sacramento federal court to federal fraud and tax charges after reaching a deal with prosecutors. Williamson, who served as Newsom’s chief of staff from 2022 to 2024, appeared at the Robert T.

Matsui U.S. Courthouse to enter her plea to counts of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, subscribing to a false tax return and making false statements. The remaining counts from a 23-count indictment will be dismissed. Prosecutors said Williamson led a scheme that siphoned $225,000 from a dormant campaign account belonging to Xavier Becerra, a former California attorney general.

The funds were used for personal expenses and steered to others after one co-conspirator expressed a desire for more money. Prosecutors said the funds paid for a no-show job for the wife of Sean McCluskie, Becerra’s former chief of staff, after Becerra took a federal post.

She also falsely claimed personal expenses as business deductions on tax returns. Those included a $150,000 trip to Mexico for her birthday as well as purchases of Chanel and Fendi bags and an HVAC system for her home. McCluskie and lobbyist Greg Campbell were also indicted in the case and have pleaded guilty to related charges.

Court documents describe Williamson as the ringleader of the group, three of whom were former public officials.

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” He said his office and law enforcement partners would continue to protect the integrity of the electoral process. “ No title and no political connection places anyone above the law,” Patel said. Becerra was identified in charging documents only as “Public Official 1” and was not accused of any wrongdoing.

He has said he had no knowledge of his former aide’s activities and is moving forward with his campaign for governor.

““Dana Williamson and her co-conspirators weaponized public trust for personal gain. They stole from a campaign account, fabricated contracts, filed false tax returns, and lied to federal agents.””

Williamson was arrested in November 2025. The plea deal was detailed in court documents filed Thursday. Newsom was not named in the filings.