Dana Williamson, who served as California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s chief of staff from 2022 to 2024, was arrested Wednesday and charged with multiple counts of bank and wire fraud, tax fraud, and obstruction of justice.
Williamson’s arrest was announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.
A 23-count federal indictment was unsealed Wednesday morning following Williamson’s arrest.
Prosecutors say she conspired to divert political funds for personal use, falsified tax filings, and attempted to obstruct a federal investigation.
U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced the charges in a press statement, calling the indictment a major step in a three-year political corruption probe.
“As it always has, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to protect the people of California from political corruption,” Grant said.
Alleged $225,000 Political Diversion Scheme
According to court documents, Williamson and her associates allegedly conspired between February 2022 and September 2024 to divert about $225,000 from a dormant political campaign account to an associate’s personal use.
Prosecutors claim the money was routed through several business entities and disguised as payments for “what was, in reality, a no-show job.”
Williamson, 53, is also accused of helping to fabricate backdated contracts after being subpoenaed in January 2024 by federal prosecutors investigating Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans tied to her business.
Tax Fraud Allegations
The indictment further alleges that Williamson filed false tax returns, claiming over $1 million in business deductions for what prosecutors say were “personal and nondeductible expenditures,” including luxury hotel stays, home furnishings, and private jet travel.
If convicted, Williamson could face decades in federal prison and substantial financial penalties.
Newsom Administration Responds
Williamson served as Newsom’s top aide until December 2024, when the governor replaced her with Nathan Barankin.
Newsom cited Barankin’s experience in Washington under then–Vice President Kamala Harris.
The move came amid growing speculation about Newsom’s own political aspirations.
A spokesperson for the governor’s office said in a statement that 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,” the spokesperson said.
“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.”
Williamson is scheduled to make her first court appearance on Wednesday at 2 p.m. local time.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed that the case remains part of an ongoing federal investigation into alleged misuse of political funds and pandemic relief programs.
Our comment section is restricted to members of the Slay News community only.
To join, create a free account HERE.
If you are already a member, log in HERE.