Dana Williamson, former chief of staff to California Governor Gavin Newsom, has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges tied to a yearslong fraud and tax scheme involving more than $525,000 in campaign funds, according to court documents filed in the Eastern District of California.
Under a plea agreement filed Wednesday in federal court in Sacramento, Williamson agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, subscribing to a false tax return, and making false statements to federal investigators.
Federal prosecutors stated that Williamson worked as a consultant providing public affairs, lobbying, and consulting services before becoming chief of staff to Newsom in December 2022.
According to the agreement, Williamson and two co-conspirators allegedly carried out a scheme from February 2022 through September 2024 to divert campaign donations for personal use.
Prosecutors said the group used political committees tied to a former public official and others to collect contributions before transferring the money into accounts controlled by co-conspirators.
The plea agreement alleges that Williamson and her co-conspirators used the funds for personal expenses, including mortgage payments, luxury vacations to Mexico, shopping sprees, cosmetic procedures, and other living expenses.
Prosecutors stated that Williamson personally benefited from more than $525,000 in campaign funds.
Court records also indicate that Williamson failed to report substantial income to the Internal Revenue Service and falsely claimed business losses on tax returns between 2021 and 2023. Prosecutors said this conduct caused approximately $504,523 in tax losses to the IRS.
Additionally, prosecutors reported that Williamson lied to FBI agents during a November 2024 interview by denying involvement in the alleged fraud scheme and falsely claiming she had not received campaign payments.
Under the plea agreement, Williamson faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison on the conspiracy charge, three years for filing a false tax return, and five years for making false statements.
She also agreed to pay restitution totaling more than $1 million, including $525,000 tied to the fraud scheme and $504,523 to the IRS.
Federal prosecutors said Williamson has agreed to cooperate with investigators. The government has agreed to dismiss remaining counts at sentencing if the court accepts the plea agreement.
