In Sacramento on November 13, former Chief of Staff to California Governor Gavin Newsom, Dana Williamson, was taken into custody after a federal grand jury charged her in a public‑corruption case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California said the case grew from a three‑year investigation by the FBI and tax authorities. Prosecutors claim that from February 2022 to September 2024, Williamson and others skimmed about $225,000 from an inactive political‑campaign account. They moved the money through several business entities and labeled it as “salary” for a job that didn’t really exist, a classic no‑show arrangement.
The campaign pool tied to the funds came from a dormant account linked to former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who later became U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. Becerra herself is not charged in the indictment.
Williamson is also accused of claiming more than $1 million in business deductions for personal luxuries—private jet flights, high‑end hotels, designer handbags and new furnishings—on her tax returns. The indictment lists multiple counts: conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstructing justice, filing false tax returns and making false statements.
If convicted, prosecutors say she faces up to 20 years in prison on the most serious charges.
Williamson served as Newsom’s chief of staff from late 2022 until late 2024 and earlier held positions under former Governor Jerry Brown and as campaign manager when Becerra ran for attorney general in 2018.
In a statement, a Newsom spokesperson said, “Ms. Williamson no longer serves in this administration. While we are still learning details of the allegations, the Governor expects all public servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity.”
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
