Former chief of staff to California Governor Gavin Newsom, Dana Williamson, was arrested and indicted on 23 federal charges, including conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, filing false tax returns and making false statements. The charges allege she conspired between February 2022 and September 2024 to divert approximately $225,000 from a dormant campaign account belonging to former U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra.
Prosecutors say Williamson and co-conspirators routed funds to shell companies and disguised payments as legitimate consulting fees or no-show jobs, while also claiming over $1 million in personal luxury expenses — such as private jet travel, high-end hotels and designer handbags — as business deductions. She pleaded not guilty and is free on bond; if convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison.
The governor’s office confirmed she left the administration in late 2024, and stressed the expectation that public servants maintain the highest standards of integrity.