In a dramatic turn of events, Dana Williamson, who once served as the chief of staff to California Governor Gavin Newsom, found herself on the other side of the law this past Wednesday. The Justice Department announced her arrest, unveiling a series of charges tied to an alleged plot to embezzle $225,000 for a friend’s benefit.

The 53-year-old Williamson faces a federal indictment encompassing 23 counts, including conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, defrauding the United States, obstructing justice, filing false tax returns, and providing false statements to authorities. The charges paint a picture of a complex scheme designed to siphon funds from an inactive political campaign into a personal account.

This case marks a significant development in an extended investigation into political corruption, which has been underway for over three years. U.S. Attorney Eric Grant emphasized the importance of this move, stating, “This is a crucial step in an ongoing political corruption investigation. Our office remains committed to working tirelessly with law enforcement partners to shield Californians from political misconduct.”

Williamson’s alleged involvement in this financial misappropriation underscores the challenges of maintaining integrity in political circles. Her past presence at the Assembly Health Committee hearing in 2015 now stands in stark contrast to her current legal troubles. (Photo by Lea Suzuki/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

“This is a crucial step in an ongoing political corruption investigation that began more than three years ago,” US Attorney Eric Grant said in a statement. “As it always has, the US Attorney’s Office will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to protect the people of California from political corruption.”

Court documents named Sean McCluskie as the co-conspirator who received those funds. At the time, he was chief of staff for someone listed as “Public Official 1.” McCluskie was the former chief of staff for the former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.

Becerra previously served as California attorney general before he was appointed to the health secretary position by former President Joe Biden.

Beginning in April 2022, Williamson began helping McCluskie by using her political consulting company to bill Becerra’s campaign for services. The funds were sent to McCluskie’s wife for work done for Williamson, which was never performed as part of a “no-show job,” federal prosecutors said. 

Williamson prepared to join Newsom’s office in late 2022. As a result, she arranged for an unnamed former public official to take over her role in the scheme, authorities said. 

Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra speaks during a hearing on Capitol Hill on November 20, 2024, in Washington, DC. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Williamson was Newsom’s chief of staff until late 2024.

“Ms. Williamson no longer serves in this administration,” a Newsom spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “While we are still learning details of the allegations, the Governor expects all public servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity.”

“At a time when the President is openly calling for his Attorney General to investigate his political enemies, it is especially important to honor the American principle of being innocent until proven guilty in a court of law by a jury of one’s peers,” the spokesperson added.

The investigation into the matter began during the Biden administration. The indictment doesn’t mention Newsom. 

The indictment also alleges that Williamson conspired with a business associate to create false, backdated contracts after receiving a civil subpoena in January 2024 from the U.S. Attorney’s Office regarding Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans made to Williamson’s business.

Governor Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference about ‘legal action against the Trump administration’ at the Office of the Attorney General in Sacramento, California, United States on October 28, 2025. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

“Disguising personal luxuries as business expenses—especially to claim improper tax deductions or to willfully file fraudulent tax returns is a serious criminal offense with severe consequences,” said IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Oakland Field Office Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen.