Gavin Newsom’s Former Chief of Staff Arrested in Major Federal Corruption Case [WATCH]

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s former Chief of Staff, Dana Williamson, was arrested Wednesday as part of a federal public corruption investigation.

The indictment, reviewed by The Sacramento Bee, details multiple charges brought by the FBI and federal prosecutors.

Williamson, who left the Governor’s Office in December 2024, is charged alongside Greg Campbell, Sean McCluskie, and two additional individuals.

The indictment lists 23 counts, including obstruction of justice, false statements, and bank and wire fraud.

According to The Sacramento Bee, “the 18 bank and wire fraud charges each carry a maximum of 20 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.”

Following publication of the charges, Newsom’s office issued a statement creating distance from Williamson.

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“Ms. Williamson no longer serves in this administration. 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 office told The Sacramento Bee.

Federal prosecutors allege that from February 2022 through September 2024, Williamson and her co-conspirators diverted $225,000 from a dormant political campaign.

Prosecutors say the funds were routed through business entities and disguised as pay for work that was never performed.

“This was how she operated. Like a mafia boss. And now she is being treated like a mafia boss.”@gilduran76 shares what it was like to work with Dana Williamson, former top aide to California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Williamson has been indicted on federal charges. @Elex_Michaelson pic.twitter.com/sRahhUQQUI

— The Story Is (@CNNTheStoryIs) November 13, 2025

According to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California: “According to court documents, between February 2022 and September 2024, Williamson conspired with others to divert approximately $225,000 in funds from a dormant political campaign to an associate’s personal use. Collectively, they funneled the money through various business entities and disguised it as pay for what was, in reality, a no-show job.”

“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.

Williamson also subscribed to false tax returns claiming more than $1 million in business deductions for what were actually personal and nondeductible expenditures, such as private jet travel, luxury hotel stays, home furnishings, and designer handbags, as well as deductions for no-show jobs for friends and family.”

The statement continued: “When questioned by FBI agents in connection with ongoing investigations into the diversion of campaign funds, the backdated contracts, and allegations of public corruption, Williamson made false statements to the agents regarding each of those topics.”

“Williamson is scheduled to make her initial appearance on the charges at 2:00 p.m. in the U.S. Courthouse in Sacramento. The United States concurrently unsealed charging documents related to this case for two other individuals charged by information.”

FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel commented on the investigation, stating, “Today’s charges are the result of three years of relentless investigative work, in partnership with IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The FBI will remain vigilant in its efforts to uncover fraud and corruption, ensuring our government systems are held to the highest standards.”

IRS Criminal Investigation also issued a statement. “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-CI Oakland Field Office Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen.

“IRS-CI will pursue charges against those who deliberately exploit their business for personal enrichment.”

Williamson’s initial court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon in Sacramento. Federal prosecutors have not announced trial dates or additional filings, but further proceedings are expected as the case moves forward.