Ex-Gavin Newsom Chief of Staff Indicted for $225,000 Fraud

BREAKING: Former California Governor Gavin Newsom’s chief of staff, Dana Williamson, has been federally indicted on serious allegations of stealing $225,000 from Xavier Becerra, former Secretary of Health and Human Services. This urgent update reveals a conspiracy involving multiple former aides, raising significant questions about trust and accountability within California’s political landscape.

The indictment, announced earlier today, accuses Williamson, aged 53, along with Becerra’s former chief of staff, Sean McCluskie, and lobbyist Greg Campbell, of conspiring to misappropriate funds from Becerra’s campaign account. Reports from The San Francisco Chronicle indicate that the group operated under a “false pretense,” diverting funds intended for legitimate services. Payments of $10,000 per month reportedly began in late 2022 and continued until the fall of 2024, totaling a staggering $225,000—all while the promised services were never rendered.

In a shocking twist, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California also alleges that Williamson filed false tax returns, claiming over $1 million in deductions for personal expenses such as private jet travel, luxury hotels, and designer handbags. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of bank and wire fraud, along with hefty fines.

Responding to the charges, Becerra expressed his shock, stating,

“The news today of formal accusations of impropriety by a long-serving trusted advisor are a gut punch.”

He assured that he has cooperated fully with the U.S. Department of Justice throughout the investigation, emphasizing the importance of a thorough legal process.

A spokesperson for Newsom, Izzy Gardon, clarified that Williamson is no longer employed by the governor, asserting, “While we are still learning details of the allegations, the Governor expects all public servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity.” Gardon also stressed the fundamental principle of being presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

This indictment raises pressing questions about the integrity of public officials and the potential ramifications for those involved. As the legal process unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how this high-profile case develops.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story evolves, with implications that could ripple through California’s political arena.