Newsom’s former chief of staff arrested by FBI

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, was arrested Wednesday and charged with conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, among other crimes, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.

In a press statement, the office announced that a 23-count indictment was unsealed on Wednesday morning following Williamson’s arrest. A federal grand jury charged her with filing false tax returns, making false statements, and participating in conspiracies to commit bank and wire fraud, defraud the United States, and obstruct justice.

U.S. Attorney Eric Grant, who announced the arrest, called the charges a “crucial step” in a three-year political corruption investigation.

“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.

Between February 2022 and September 2024, Williamson allegedly conspired with others to divert about $225,000 from a dormant political campaign to an associate’s personal use, according to court documents. Prosecutors claim Williamson and her associates funneled the money through multiple business entities, disguising it as payment for “what was, in reality, a no-show job.”

Williamson served as Newsom‘s chief of staff from 2022 to 2024, leaving in December after the governor appointed Nathan Barankin to the role. Reports at the time noted that Newsom chose Barankin for his White House experience under former Vice President Kamala Harris, amid speculation about Newsom’s political ambitions.

Officials also allege the 53-year-old political consultant worked with a business associate to create false, backdated contracts after she was subpoenaed in January 2024 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office over Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans tied to her business.

Additionally, Williamson is accused of filing false tax returns, claiming more than $1 million in business deductions for “what were actually personal and nondeductible expenditures,” including luxury hotel stays, home furnishings, and private jet travel, according to prosecutors.

Williamson is expected to make her first appearance in court on Wednesday at 2 p.m. local time.

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