SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Dana Williamson, the former chief of staff to California Governor Gavin Newsom, has been indicted in a sweeping federal corruption and fraud case, following an extensive probe by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation Division.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, Williamson and several associates face 23 criminal counts, including wire fraud, bank fraud, obstruction of justice, and making false statements. The indictment alleges a scheme that diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars in political funds for personal enrichment.
23 Federal Charges and Years of Misconduct Alleged
Federal prosecutors claim that between February 2022 and September 2024, Williamson and her co-defendants — identified as Greg Campbell, Sean McCluskie, and two other individuals — embezzled approximately $225,000 from a dormant political campaign account.
The funds were allegedly funneled through multiple business entities and disguised as salary payments for “no-show” jobs, where little or no actual work was performed. Each bank and wire fraud count carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Governor Newsom’s Office Distances Itself
Following the indictment, Governor Newsom’s communications team released a statement stressing that Williamson no longer works for the administration and that the governor expects complete transparency and ethical conduct from all public servants.
“While the facts are still emerging, the Governor believes in the presumption of innocence and the importance of due process,” the statement read. “Public officials must always adhere to the highest standards of integrity.”
Alleged Fraudulent Contracts and False Tax Filings
The indictment further accuses Williamson of attempting to cover up her financial misconduct by backdating contracts and submitting false tax returns.
Federal filings indicate that in January 2024, after receiving a subpoena related to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans tied to her business, Williamson and a business associate allegedly created fabricated contracts to conceal improper financial activities.
Prosecutors also claim that Williamson filed fraudulent tax returns, claiming over $1 million in fake business deductions for personal luxury expenses — including private jet travel, high-end hotel stays, home decor, and designer handbags. The false deductions also reportedly included “ghost payrolls” for relatives and friends who performed no actual work.
FBI and IRS Vow to Continue Fighting Political Corruption
Williamson is expected to make her first court appearance at the U.S. District Court in Sacramento. At the same time, federal officials announced related charges against two additional individuals connected to the case.
“After three years of meticulous investigation, today’s charges send a clear message — corruption in public office will not be tolerated,” said FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “We remain committed to protecting taxpayer money and holding government officials accountable.”
IRS Criminal Investigation Oakland Field Office Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen echoed the sentiment, adding:
“Abusing business funds for personal luxuries and falsifying tax records are serious federal crimes. IRS-CI will continue pursuing those who manipulate the system for personal gain.”
A Growing Scandal in California Politics
The indictment marks one of the most significant public corruption cases in California politics in recent years, potentially shaking confidence in the state’s leadership. While Newsom’s administration has emphasized its cooperation with investigators, the case has already raised new questions about ethical oversight and financial transparency within state politics.
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