Former Chief of Staff to Gavin Newsom, Dana Williamon, Scheduled for Sentencing

Dana Williamson, formerly serving as the chief aide to Governor Gavin Newsom, is set to discover her fate this autumn following her guilty plea in a corruption case involving the misappropriation of $225,000 from a campaign fund associated with Xavier Becerra. Becerra has been considered the leading Democratic candidate to succeed Newsom.

The Sacramento Bee reported that a federal judge has arranged Williamson’s sentencing for September 17 at the Robert T. Matsui U.S. Courthouse in Sacramento. This date was established after negotiations between prosecutors and defense lawyers reached a consensus.

Williamson, who occupied the role of Newsom’s chief of staff between 2022 and 2024, admitted guilt in May to charges of bank fraud, submitting a fraudulent tax return, and deceiving the FBI. Although she potentially faces a total maximum sentence of 38 years and fines up to $1.35 million, the actual sentencing is likely to be significantly less, in line with federal guidelines.

During her confession, the once-prominent Democratic strategist acknowledged her involvement in assisting Sean McCluskie, formerly Becerra’s chief aide, to covertly divert campaign donations into his personal accounts through bogus consulting agreements, as prosecutors elaborated.

This case erupted into a major political scandal in California’s recent history, following the FBI’s undercover operation involving Alexis Podesta, a well-known lobbyist based in Sacramento. Williamson’s lawyer, McGregor Scott, previously indicated to The Post that it was Podesta, not Williamson, who wore an FBI wire, capturing discussions with political elites. This evidence led agents to reach out to or interrogate numerous lobbyists, consultants, and other key figures in the state Capitol as the investigation expanded.

Scott did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters

Federal authorities arrested Williamson last November alongside McCluskie and Sacramento lobbyist Greg Campbell. Campbell later admitted falsifying business contracts to help Williamson respond to a federal subpoena involving a COVID-era business loan obtained by her consulting company. Both men are still awaiting sentencing.

Podesta agreed to cooperate with federal authorities and was not indicted, according to her attorney.

The FBI recording helped investigators unravel a scheme that reached deep into California’s Democratic political network and triggered one of the most significant public corruption investigations the Capitol has seen in years.

Before joining Newsom’s administration, Williamson built a career at the highest levels of California politics. She advised former Gov. Jerry Brown, managed Becerra’s campaign accounts and worked as a lobbyist for PG&E before becoming one of Newsom’s closest aides.

Williamson’s sentencing comes as federal investigators are separately examining Newsom and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, though neither has been accused of wrongdoing.