High Dem Guide Nabbed In Corruption Scandal

[ad_1] The previous chief of workers to California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom was charged Wednesday in reference to a sophisticated scheme to steal funds from a marketing campaign account beforehand belonging to former Well being and Human Companies Secretary Xavier Becerra.

The Justice Division unveiled a 23-count indictment towards 53-year-old Democrat guide Dana Williamson, charging her with financial institution fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud america and hinder justice, subscribing to false tax returns, and making false statements. Williamson, who labored for Newsom between 2022 and 2024, is accused of taking part in a scheme to divert $225,000 from Becerra’s dormant marketing campaign account.

“This can be a essential step in an ongoing political corruption investigation that started greater than three years in the past,” stated U.S. Lawyer Eric Grant. “Because it at all times has, the U.S. Lawyer’s Workplace will proceed to work tirelessly with our regulation enforcement companions to guard the individuals of California from political corruption.”

The indictment alleges that Williamson labored with lobbyist Greg Campbell and former Becerra chief of workers Sean McCluskie to funnel funds from the dormant marketing campaign account. Prosecutors say the scheme operated between February 2022 and September 2024.

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Each McCluskie and Campbell accepted plea offers final month associated to the scheme.

“Mr. Campbell takes full accountability for his actions and is cooperating totally with the authorized course of,” Todd Pickles, a lawyer for Campbell, stated in a press release. He added that Campbell is “an honorable former public servant and a optimistic and revered member of the group who has performed himself with integrity via this deeply difficult course of.”

The indictment additionally alleged that Williamson claimed greater than $1 million in fraudulent tax deductions. This consists of claiming deductions for objects like a $15,353 Chanel purse and ring, a $5,818 Fendi purse and pockets, a $19,498 heating and cooling system at her residence, a $9,859 watch, a $6,324 sofa for her residence, a $21,175 non-public jet constitution, a $15,662 luxurious resort keep on her birthday, and $156,302 for a luxurious trip in Mexico, in keeping with the indictment.

Williamson pleaded not responsible to the costs throughout an look in federal courtroom on Wednesday. Footage shared on-line by California political reporter Ashley Zavala confirmed her exiting the courthouse with out responding to questions from reporters.

Right here’s what occurred when Dana Williamson— Gov. Newsom’s former Chief of Employees— emerged from federal courtroom.

She stayed fairly silent and stated we may speak to her attorneys. Her lawyer wouldn’t speak.

She had nothing to say after I requested for her message to Xavier Becerra: pic.twitter.com/hbgOtvhLsp

— Ashley Zavala (@ZavalaA) November 13, 2025

McGregor Scott, Williamson’s lawyer, accused the Trump administration of showboating in its dealing with of the case.

“They selected the grandstanding route,” he informed the New York Instances. “The one conclusion I can draw is that is the most recent misstep taken down the incorrect highway by the Trump Justice Division.”

If convicted, Williamson may face a long time in jail and penalties totaling tons of of 1000's of {dollars}.

Becerra, who's operating for governor of California, stated he was cooperating with federal authorities.

“The information immediately of formal accusations of impropriety by a long-serving trusted advisor are a intestine punch,” he stated. “As California’s former Lawyer Common, I totally comprehend the significance of permitting this investigation and authorized course of to run its course via our justice system.”