Strategist Tied to Becerra and Newsom Pleads Guilty in Corruption Case
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Dana Williamson, a former chief of staff to Gov. Gavin Newsom and adviser to gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra, pleaded guilty to three felonies including lying to the FBI, filing a false tax return, and conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud.
- Williamson was indicted on 23 charges related to a scheme to skim $225,000 from one of Becerra’s campaign accounts, intensifying scrutiny of her ties to Becerra amid his rising profile in the governor’s race.
- Two other political operatives, Sean McCluskie and Greg Campbell, previously pleaded guilty to participating in the scheme to siphon funds from Becerra’s dormant campaign account to increase McCluskie’s income.
- The case has caused significant controversy in California politics, fueling attacks on Becerra and raising questions about corruption within the state’s Democratic leadership.