Gavin Newsom's Former Chief of Staff Indicted on Public Corruption Charges | KQED

"Prosecutors allege that Williamson and one of the unnamed co-conspirators, described only as a former California public official who owned a political consulting firm, used their political strategy firms to funnel money out of a campaign account, believed to be Becerra's, into an account controlled by McCluskie. They allegedly disguised the funds as payments for McCluskie's spouse, who was described in the indictment as a stay-at-home parent."

"Williamson is also accused of falsely claiming more than $1.7 million in business expenses on her taxes. She used the funds to purchase a $15,000 Chanel handbag, a chartered jet trip and a nearly $170,000 birthday trip to Mexico, the indictment alleges. She is also accused of conspiring to retroactively create fake contracts to justify federal loans made to her company, Grace Public Affairs."

"Gov. Gavin Newsom's former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, exits the Robert T. Matsui Federal Courthouse in Sacramento after her arraignment on Nov. 12, 2025. The federal grand jury indictment accuses Williamson and four other co-conspirators, including Xavier Becerra's former chief of staff, of funneling $225,000 in money from a dormant campaign account. Williamson, wearing what appeared to be a gray robe and in shackles, broke into tears from time to time at her arraignment hearing Wednesday afternoon in Sacramento."

Dana Williamson faces federal charges alleging she funneled campaign money, falsified taxes, and conspired to create fake contracts. Prosecutors say Williamson and a former California public official who owned a political consulting firm used their political strategy firms to move $225,000 from a dormant campaign account, believed to be Becerra's, into an account controlled by McCluskie and disguised the funds as payments to McCluskie's stay-at-home spouse. Williamson is accused of falsely claiming more than $1.7 million in business expenses and using the funds for luxury purchases and trips. Co-defendants Campbell and McCluskie pleaded guilty and are cooperating. Williamson pleaded not guilty, was tearful at arraignment, and is expected to be released on a $500,000 unsecured bond.

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