Dana Williamson, the former chief of staff for California Gov. Gavin Newsom, has been arrested on federal charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, and false tax filings tied to stealing $225,000 from ex-Congressman Xavier Becerra’s campaign for the benefit of co-conspirator Sean McCluskie. Additionally, she is alleged to have taken fake COVID loans and $1 million in bogus deductions for luxuries such as Chanel bags and private jets.
Reacting to the situation, Newsom’s office distanced itself, emphasizing integrity and presumption of innocence amid political probes. Echoing these points, Becerra called it a “gut punch” but pledged cooperation with the authorities. Williamson pleaded not guilty, but co-defendants like McCluskie admitted guilt; now they are facing up to 20 years if convicted.
Clearly embarrassed by this scandal, a Newsom Administration Spokesperson attempted to distance itself from Williamson. “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,” a spokesperson claimed.
In a vain attempt to blame Trump, the same document alleged, “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.”
Likewise, Xavier Becerra, a former congressman whose campaign was defrauded, expressed his anger at the situation. “The news today of formal accusations of impropriety by a long-serving trusted advisor are a gut punch,” he noted.
Continuing his denunciation, the politician said, “As California’s former Attorney General, I fully comprehend the importance of allowing this investigation and legal process to run its course through our justice system.”
In her resignation letter, Dana Williamson failed to address the burning question. She whined, “It’s always hard to leave this work, but in two short years, we’ve made a lasting impact. I’ve had the honor of serving under three governors and when asked what I will miss the most, my answer is always the same — the privilege of working with some of the smartest and most committed people I’ve ever known.”
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However, McGregor Scott, Williamson’s Attorney, went on the offensive. “I am livid that they chose to arrest her at her home this morning. She is literally sitting at home waiting for her turn on the list for a liver transplant,” he said.
Continuing with his misplaced rage and ignoring the serious nature of these charges, the defence lawyer said, “I am as angry as I have been in a very long time at the manner in which the United States Attorney’s Office has handled this matter.”
Contextualizing the arrest, the State’s attorney’s office explained, “At approximately 10:00 a.m. this morning, federal agents arrested the defendant at her home and executed a search warrant to gather evidence.” Adding, “As a matter of course, both for the safety of officers and for the preservation of evidence, this office does not inform defense counsel prior to the execution of a search warrant.”