SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A former top aide to California Gov. Gavin Newsom has been indicted on federal charges for her alleged role in a scheme to steal campaign money from former U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra.

Dana Williamson was arrested and was scheduled to make her first court appearance Wednesday in Sacramento. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney who could speak on his behalf.

The federal indictment lists four other accomplices. It alleges that Williamson was part of a scheme involving Sean McCluskie, who was Becerra’s chief of staff at the time of the alleged conduct.

Becerra is a former California attorney general who was appointed health secretary by former President Joe Biden. He is not involved in the accusation.

The indictment alleges that Williamson and McCluskie took money from Becerra’s dormant campaign account and funneled it to McCluskie, about $225,000 over a period of more than two years.

Williamson served as Newsom’s chief of staff from late 2022 to late 2024.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom prepares to speak before signing legislation calling for special elections on a redrawn congressional map on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
California Gov. Gavin Newsom prepares to speak before signing legislation calling for special elections on a redrawn congressional map on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

via News

“Ms. Williamson no longer serves in this administration. While we are still learning the details of the allegations, the Governor expects all public servants to maintain the highest standards of integrity,” a spokesperson for Newsom said in a statement.

Becerra could not immediately be reached for comment.

The investigation began more than three years ago, FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel said in a statement. That means it started under the Biden administration.

Williamson faces 23 charges including conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, bank fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruct justice, subscribing to false tax returns and making false statements, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison.

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Williamson is a longtime Democratic power player in Sacramento. She was former Gov. Jerry Brown’s cabinet secretary before opening her own political affairs firm. She was also Becerra’s campaign manager when he ran for attorney general in 2018, and later rejoined state government as Newsom’s chief of staff.