Gavin Newsom’s Former Chief of Staff Charged with $225,000 in Fraud and Corruption
The former chief of staff to Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) was charged Wednesday with allegedly conspiring to steal $225,000 and give the money to a friend, according to the Justice Department.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) charged Dana Williamson in a 23-count federal indictment with conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, defrauding the United States, obstructing justice, filing false tax returns, and lying to authorities.
She allegedly participated in a scheme to launder money from a political campaign into another person’s account for personal use.
U.S. Attorney Eric Grant said in a statement: “This is a critical step in an ongoing investigation into political corruption that began more than three years ago. As it always has, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to protect the people of California from political corruption.”
Fox News Digital continued:
Court documents name Sean McCluskie as the co-conspirator who received these funds. At the time, he was chief of staff to someone listed as “public official 1.” McCluskie is the former chief of staff to former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
Becerra previously served as California’s attorney general before being nominated to serve as health secretary by former President Joe Biden.
In 2022, Williamson assisted McCluskie by using his political consulting firm to bill Becerra’s campaign for services. The funds were sent to McCluskie’s wife for work done for Williamson, which was never done as a “no show job.”
She served as Newsom’s leader until the end of 2024.
A spokesperson for Newsom said: “Ms. Williamson no longer serves in this administration. While we are still learning the details of the allegations, the governor expects all public officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity.”
“As the president openly calls on his attorney general to investigate his political enemies, it is especially important to honor the American principle of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law by a jury of his peers,” the statement continued.
“Disguising a personal luxury as a business expense – especially to claim improper tax deductions or to knowingly file fraudulent tax returns – is a serious criminal offense with serious consequences,” said Linda Nguyen, special agent in charge of the Oakland Field Office of IR Criminal Investigation.
