SACRAMENTO, Calif. (TNND) — A longtime California political consultant — and a former top aide to Gov. Gavin Newsom — pleaded guilty in a federal corruption case tied to an alleged scheme to steal campaign funds from Xavier Becerra when he served as U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 28: California Gov. Gavin Newsom sits at an event promoting his book “Young Man in a Hurry” on February 28, 2026 in San Francisco, California. Newsom’s book, which he discussed with Journalist Kara Swisher on stage, reflects on his life and career. (Photo by Benjamin Fanjoy/Getty Images)
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California on Thursday said Dana Williamson, 53, appeared in court and pleaded guilty to the following charges:
In a news release, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant said Williamson and multiple co-conspirators participated in a “conduit scheme,” in which campaign money was diverted from a dormant political account associated with Becerra and funneled to Sean McCluskie, who was Becerra’s former chief of staff. McCluskie previously pleaded guilty in the case.
Authorities alleged the scheme involved fabricating contracts and disguising payments as legitimate campaign expenses while secretly benefiting McCluskie and others involved. Prosecutors said approximately $225,000 was improperly diverted through the operation.
Prosecutors also accused Williamson of filing false tax returns that improperly claimed more than $1 million in personal expenses as business deductions. The expenses allegedly included “food delivery services, luxury vacations to Mexico (twice) and Santa Barbara, private jet travel, purported wages for family members, home goods, veterinary services, landscaping services, and other nondeductible personal expenses.”
Federal investigators also said Williamson lied to the Federal Bureau of Investigation during the investigation, which included wiretaps and seized communications.
“These statements were designed to lead the FBI away from Williamson’s criminal activity by concealing the nature of the conduit scheme, denying the backdating of contracts, and hiding Williamson’s involvement in passing information to former clients and business partners to give them an advantage in litigation against the state,” according to the release.
MONTEREY PARK, CALIFORNIA – MAY 05: California gubernatorial candidate former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra looks on during a CNN California Governor Primary Debate at East Los Angeles College on May 05, 2026 in Monterey Park, California. CNN hosted a debate with seven of the top contenders in the race for California Governor. The debate was moderated by CNN anchors Kaitlan Collins and Elex Michaelson. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Williamson, once considered one of California’s most influential Democratic strategists, previously served as chief of staff to Newsom and held senior roles under former Gov. Jerry Brown. She also worked closely with Becerra during his political career.
The case has become a political issue in California’s governor’s race, though prosecutors have said Becerra — who is running for governor — was not involved in the scheme and cooperated with investigators.
Several of Becerra’s rivals blasted him over the scandal at a televised debate on Thursday night, saying he is unfit for office. Becerra fired back, noting he hasn’t been implicated.
“Accept the facts,” he said.
Williamson faces up to 30 years in prison on the fraud charge, along with additional penalties tied to the tax and false statement counts. Her defense attorney, McGregor Scott, said he expected it to be no more than three years based on federal sentencing guidelines.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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