California Governor Gavin Newsom’s former Chief of Staff was arrested by the FBI in a public corruption probe.
Feds charged Dana Williamson and other co-conspirators with 23 counts of obstruction of justice, false statements, bank and wire fraud on Wednesday, according to the indictment reviewed by The Sacramento Bee.
“Williamson, who left the Governor’s Office in December 2024, is named along with Greg Campbell, Sean McCluskie and two others on conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. There are 23 counts in total; the 18 bank and wire fraud charges each carry a maximum of 20 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines,” The Sacramento Bee reported.
Newsom’s office desperately distanced themselves from the scandal.
“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. At a time when the President is openly calling for his Attorney General to investigate his political enemies, it is especially important to honor the American principle of being innocent until proven guilty in a court of law by a jury of one’s peers,” Newsom’s office told the Sacramento Bee.
According to federal prosecutors, between February 2022 and September 2024, Williamson and co-conspirators diverted $225,000 in funds from a dormant political campaign for personal use.
The money was funneled through various business entities and disguised as pay, according to federal prosecutors.