Sacramento, CA. — Dana Williamson, former chief of staff to California Governor Gavin Newsom, has been charged in an alleged $225,000 fraud and corruption scheme involving a dormant campaign account, according to federal prosecutors.
The Department of Justice announced that Williamson faces multiple felony counts, including conspiracy, fraud, obstruction, and filing false tax returns. Federal investigators allege she siphoned roughly $225,000 from a campaign fund once tied to Xavier Becerra, then disguised the withdrawals through shell companies and fabricated invoices. The criminal complaint includes detailed allegations of misappropriated funds and falsified tax filings, according to Fox News.
The Sacramento Bee reports that Williamson, long considered one of the most influential Democratic strategists in California, coordinated the transactions through her political consulting firm and a network of associates. Prosecutors say she used the funds for personal expenses rather than legitimate campaign activity, according to The Sacramento Bee.
Her attorney, however, sharply criticized the charges, calling the arrest political theater. In an interview with Politico, Williamson’s lawyer described the federal action as “grandstanding” and argued that she had fully cooperated with investigators prior to her arrest. The attorney insisted that the case has “nothing to do with Governor Newsom” and accused prosecutors of overstating routine political bookkeeping issues, per Politico
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Williamson, who served as Newsom’s chief of staff before returning to outside consulting, has pleaded not guilty. If convicted on all counts, she could face significant prison time and financial penalties.
According to the criminal complaint, federal investigators traced the alleged scheme over multiple years and detailed the movements of funds, shell companies, and false filings, as reported by Fox News. Williamson has pleaded not guilty, and the case will proceed in federal court as prosecutors continue to outline their evidence, according to The Sacramento Bee.
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