Dana Williamson, a former aide to Governor Gavin Newsom, faces sentencing after pleading guilty to her role in a $225,000 scheme that diverted funds from Xavier Becerra’s dormant campaign account. Her defense attorney argues she acted out of friendship rather than personal gain.
Defense Claims Altruistic Motives
McGregor Scott, Williamson’s lawyer, asserts that the fraud idea originated with Sean McCluskie, who pleaded guilty to related charges last year. Scott notes that McCluskie persistently contacted Williamson through text messages and meetings to push the plan forward.
McCluskie, who served as chief of staff to Becerra during his time leading Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden, complained about financial pressures. His wife received $10,000 monthly payments for a no-show position during this period.
Scott describes Williamson’s involvement as ‘altruistic heartrending,’ emphasizing she lost money in the scheme and only sought to assist a friend in need. ‘She was simply trying to help a friend in a pinch as best she could,’ Scott stated outside the Robert T. Matsui U.S. Courthouse in Sacramento.
Charges and Potential Sentence
Williamson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, filing a false tax return, and making false statements. Prosecutors say she skimmed $225,000 by misrepresenting personal expenses as campaign costs and lied to the FBI about sharing proprietary government information.
She faces up to 38 years in prison and over $1 million in fines under the plea agreement.
Becerra Denies Involvement
Xavier Becerra, a leading Democratic candidate for governor and former attorney general, denies any role in the scheme. ‘Today confirms what I have said from day one: I did nothing wrong. Case closed,’ Becerra posted on X.
Williamson admitted making false statements to Becerra regarding the purpose and reasonableness of charges to his campaign account. Her attorneys have confirmed records exist indicating Becerra’s awareness of the payments.
A U.S. attorney’s office spokesperson states that no gubernatorial candidate has been implicated in any charging documents.
