"Dana Williamson, California Gov. Gavin Newsom's (D) former chief of staff, was arrested and charged with a number of crimes on Wednesday, including conspiring to move approximately $225,000 in funds from a dormant political campaign to an associate, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of California. Williamson and the associate, according to authorities, funneled the money through various business entities and disguised it as pay for what was, in reality, a no-show job."
"She was also a former advisor and cabinet secretary for ex-Gov. Jerry Brown (D), prior to her work with Newsom. The 53-year-old was charged by a federal grand jury with conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and obstruct justice, subscribing to false tax returns, and making false statements to the FBI."
"Her arrest is part of a multiyear investigation by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation unit. Wednesday's indictment alleges Williamson conspired with a business partner to create fake and backdated contracts after he received a civil subpoena in early 2024 from the U.S. Attorney's Office regarding Paycheck Protection Program loans made to Williamson's business. She is also accused of claiming more than $1 million in bogus business deductions on her taxes."
"In reality, that money went towards private jet travel, designer handbags, and luxury hotels, according to authorities. Williamson, according to The Sacramento Bee, the first outlet to report the news, is named along with Greg Campbell, Sean McCluskie and two others 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. Her alleged tax crime carries a penalty of up to $100,000."
Dana Williamson allegedly conspired to move about $225,000 from a dormant political campaign to an associate by funneling funds through business entities and disguising payments as a no-show job. The conduct allegedly occurred between February 2022 and September 2024 while Williamson served as Governor Newsom's chief of staff until December 2024. A federal grand jury charged Williamson 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 to the FBI. Authorities allege she and a partner created fake and backdated contracts after a civil subpoena related to Paycheck Protection Program loans and that she claimed more than $1 million in bogus business deductions used for private jet travel, designer handbags, and luxury hotels. The indictment contains 23 counts with potential decades-long prison terms and substantial fines.
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