Former Newsom Chief of Staff Arrested as Part of ‘Corruption Investigation’
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) former chief of staff has reportedly been arrested and charged with conspiring to commit bank and wire fraud, among other charges, as part of a “political corruption investigation.”
In a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, it was revealed that a federal grand jury indicted Dana Williamson, 53, with “conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruct justice, subscribing to false tax returns, and making false statements.”
“This is a critical step in an ongoing political corruption investigation that began more than three years ago,” U.S. Attorney Eric Grant said in a statement. “As always, 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. »
According to the press release:
Political consultant Dana Williamson, 53, of Carmichael, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruct justice, subscribing to false tax returns and making false statements, announced U.S. Attorney Eric Grant. The 23-count indictment was unsealed following Williamson’s arrest this morning.
Court documents allegedly showed that “between February 2022 and September 2024, Williamson conspired with others to divert approximately $225,000 in funds from a dormant political campaign to the personal use of an associate,” according to the press release.
Williamson and the others also allegedly “channeled” this money “through various business entities and disguised it as compensation for what was, in reality, no-show work,” according to the press release.
William also allegedly “conspired with an associate to create false backdated contracts after receiving a civil subpoena in January 2024” regarding Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, according to the press release.
“Today’s charges are the result of three years of diligent investigative work, in partnership with IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Sid Patel, who is the Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Sacramento Field Office. “The FBI will remain vigilant in its efforts to uncover fraud and corruption, ensuring that our government systems meet the highest standards. »
In a statement to Fox News, a spokesperson for the California governor clarified that Williamson, who was “Newsom’s chief of staff until the end of 2024,” was no longer “serving” under Newsom’s administration.
“Ms. Williamson no longer serves in this administration,” the spokesperson told the outlet. “While we are still learning the details of the allegations, the governor expects all public officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity.”
