Newsom Chief of Staff Dana Williamson has been arrested by the FBI and charged with bank fraud
Former Gavin Newsom Chief of Staff Dana Williamson has been arrested by the FBI and charged with bank fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the United States after allegedly diverting campaign funds for personal use.
Dana Williamson, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s former chief of staff, was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit fraud and obstruct justice, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.
Court documents allege that Williamson, 53, conspired with others to divert about $225,000 in funds from a dormant political campaign to an associate’s personal use, prosecutors said. That money, they charge, was then funneled through various business entities and disguised as pay for a “no-show job,” prosecutors allege.
From February 2022 to September 2024, federal prosecutors allege Williamson conspired with a business associate to create false and backdated contracts.
The indictment goes on to claim Williamson subscribed to false tax returns, claiming more than $1 million in business deductions that prosecutors said were for personal and nondeductible expenditures, like private jet travel, hotel stays, home furnishings and designer handbags.
Williamson went on to make false statements when questioned by FBI agents about the diversion of campaign funds and allegations of public corruption, prosecutors said.
It’s currently not clear if she has an attorney who could speak on her behalf.
Williamson was Newsom’s chief of staff from late 2022 through late 2024.
“Ms. Williamson no longer serves in this administration,” Newsom’s office said in a statement. “While we are still learning details of the allegations, the Governor expects all public servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity.”
