Justice Department announces indictment of former Newsom chief-of-staff over corruption allegations

The Justice Department (DOJ) on Wednesday announced California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom's former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, has been indicted and accused of corruption and conspiring to defraud the United States. 

Williamson, who was indicted by a federal grand jury last week on 23 charges, served as Newsom's top aide from 2022 through the end of 2024. Williamson has also worked as a political consultant. 

U.S. Attorney Eric Grant confirmed the indictment, and said the former chief-of-staff has been charged with conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruct justice, subscribing to false tax returns and making false statements.

“This is a crucial step in an ongoing political corruption investigation that began more than three years ago,” Grant said. “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.”

Federal prosecutors accuse Williamson of conspiring with others to divert approximately $225,000 in funds from a dormant political campaign to an associate from February 2022 through September 2024.

Williamson has also been accused of submitting false tax returns claiming more than $1 million in business deductions for ineligible personal expenses, such as private jet travel, luxury hotel stays and home furnishings. She also allegedly lied to federal investigators when questioned about the alleged crimes.

If convicted, Williamson faces up to decades in prison and over $1 million in fines.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.