Sacramento, CA. — A longtime California lobbyist and a former chief of staff to an elected official have pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges connected to a multi-year scheme involving stolen campaign funds and falsified documents tied to federal pandemic loans.
Greg Campbell, 52, of Davis, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. His co-defendant, Sean McCluskie, 56, also of Davis, pleaded guilty on Nov. 20, 2025, to one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud.
According to court documents, McCluskie was serving as chief of staff to an elected official who later moved into a federal government role. Between February 2022 and September 2024, Campbell, McCluskie, and Carmichael consultant Dana Williamson, 53, conspired to siphon approximately $225,000 from the official’s dormant political campaign. Prosecutors say the money was funneled through business entities and disguised as payment for a no-show job held by McCluskie’s spouse—ultimately funding McCluskie’s “bicoastal lifestyle.”
In July 2024, as federal investigators examined Williamson’s company’s eligibility for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, Campbell created and signed three retroactive contracts at Williamson’s request. The falsified documents were designed to make it appear that Williamson provided only non-lobbying services and operated as a subcontractor to Campbell’s lobbying firm, despite lobbying firms being ineligible for PPP loans or forgiveness.
Williamson was charged in a 23-count indictment unsealed Nov. 12, 2025, including conspiracy, bank fraud, wire fraud, obstructing justice, filing false tax returns, and making false statements. She is presumed innocent unless proven guilty and is scheduled to appear in court for a status conference on Dec. 11, 2025.
Campbell and McCluskie are set for a joint status-of-sentencing hearing on Feb. 26, 2026, before Chief U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley. Each faces up to five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 per conspiracy count.
If convicted, Williamson faces significantly higher penalties—up to 30 years for each count of bank fraud-related offenses, up to 20 years for each wire fraud count, and additional prison time and fines for obstruction and tax-related charges.
The cases stem from an investigation by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation, and are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section. The court will determine sentences after considering federal guidelines and statutory factors.
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