"Prosecutors said she created false backdated contracts after being subpoenaed for records related to a federal Covid-19 stimulus program and later made false statements to FBI agents. This is a crucial step in an ongoing political corruption investigation that began more than three years ago, said Eric Grant, interim US attorney for the Eastern District of California. Williamson pleaded not guilty during a court hearing Wednesday. Matthew Rowan, a lawyer for Williamson, declined to comment further to reporters after the hearing."
"The judge agreed to release Williamson on a $500,000 bond secured by her home in Sacramento. She left the courthouse without talking to reporters. Newsom's office sought to distance him from the allegations while accusing President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi of targeting political rivals. Grant was appointed earlier this year. Ms. Williamson no longer serves in this administration, a spokesperson for the governor said."
Dana Williamson, former chief of staff to Governor Gavin Newsom, was indicted on public corruption charges alleging she conspired to divert about $225,000 from a dormant political campaign for an associate's personal use. Prosecutors allege she claimed more than $1 million in business deductions for private expenditures on luxury goods and personal items. Investigators say she created false backdated contracts after being subpoenaed for records tied to a federal Covid-19 stimulus program and later made false statements to FBI agents. Williamson pleaded not guilty and was released on a $500,000 bond secured by her home. Newsom's office said she no longer serves in the administration and sought to distance the governor while accusing political targeting.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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