California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, was arrested Wednesday and charged with multiple federal offenses for allegedly attempting to divert $225,000 to a friend, according to the Justice Department.
Williamson, 53, faces a 23-count federal indictment that includes conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, defrauding the federal government, obstructing justice, filing false tax returns, and making false statements to authorities.
Prosecutors allege she helped route money from a dormant political campaign into another individual’s account for their personal benefit.
U.S. Attorney Eric Grant called the case “a crucial step in an ongoing political corruption investigation that began more than three years ago,” adding that the office remains committed to protecting Californians “from political corruption.”
Court documents identify Sean McCluskie as the co-conspirator who received the funds. At the time, he was serving as chief of staff to someone referred to as “Public Official 1.” McCluskie previously worked for former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, who had been California’s attorney general before joining the Biden administration.
Beginning in April 2022, Williamson allegedly assisted McCluskie by having her political consulting firm bill Becerra’s campaign for services that were never performed. The money was routed to McCluskie’s wife under what prosecutors describe as a “no-show job.”
As Williamson prepared to join Newsom’s office in late 2022, she allegedly arranged for a former public official—whose name has not been disclosed—to continue the scheme.
Williamson served as Newsom’s chief of staff until late 2024. A spokesperson for Newsom said in a statement that she “no longer serves in this administration,” and emphasized that the governor expects public officials “to uphold the highest standards of integrity.” The spokesperson also noted that Williamson, like anyone charged with a crime, is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in court.
The indictment does not reference Newsom and states that the investigation began during the Biden administration.
Prosecutors also allege Williamson conspired with a business associate to create false, backdated contracts after receiving a civil subpoena in January 2024 related to Paycheck Protection Program loans awarded to her company.
“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 Linda Nguyen, Special Agent in Charge for IRS Criminal Investigation in Oakland.
