CROOK-IN-CHIEF: Gavin Newsom Chief of Staff ARESTED In 23-Count Conspiracy Indictment

Federal authorities arrested Dana Williamson, former chief of staff to California Governor Gavin Newsom, on 23 felony counts including conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and false tax returns. Prosecutors allege she diverted $225,000 from a dormant Xavier Becerra campaign committee via fake contracts and shell companies for personal luxuries between 2022 and 2024, while also claiming over $1.7 million in false business deductions for items like private jets and hotel stays. Williamson pleaded not guilty in Sacramento federal court and was released on $250,000 bond; four co-defendants, including Becerra’s ex-chief of staff Jason Kinney, face related charges.

BREAKING: Gavin Newsom’s former Chief of Staff was just arrested by the FBI and charged with bank fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the United States– which include funneling campaign money for personal use. pic.twitter.com/jbzciC9uGo

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) November 12, 2025

Dana Williamson, who was chief of staff to Gavin Newsom served as his enforcer at the Capitol and a top liaison to powerful labor unions and business interests across California.

Inside Newsom’s office, Williamson was at the center of nearly every major initiative. In her earliest days, she helped wrangle legislation requiring oil market participants to submit vast amounts of data to a new division within the California Energy Commission that will decide whether to cap and penalize oil refiners’ profits. The following year, Newsom secured new authority to regulate oil refineries, requiring them to prevent price spikes caused by maintenance and low supplies.

[…]

Her perennial assignment to “clean up” the statewide ballot made Williamson one of the most revered — and feared — figures in Sacramento.

Williamson is close to politically influential labor leaders like SEIU’s Tia Orr and Teri Holoman of the California Teachers Association.

She carried many of Newsom’s grudges for him, even as she continued to nurse some of her own. (Politico)

“I greatly appreciate Dana’s counsel and her service to the state and the people of California over the last two years. Her insight, tenacity, and big heart will be missed,” Newsom said in a statement.

Politico has broken the story that Newsom put his chief of staff on leave due to a criminal investigation A YEAR AGO! Never disclosed it.

She then resigned and Newsom – knowing the accusations and federal investigation instigated under the Biden Administration – issued this… pic.twitter.com/ta73KwfGiJ

— Mike Netter (@nettermike) November 13, 2025

BREAKING: Gavin Newsom’s former chief of staff INDICTED for CORRUPTION.

I’ve been saying all along: Democrat one-party rule is CORRUPT.

Arrogance has turned into complacency and entitlement that has ROTTED our government from the inside out. NO MORE. pic.twitter.com/z0P1JK2S1I

— steve hilton (@SteveHiltonx) November 12, 2025

Dana Williamson was arrested Wednesday morning, charged in a 23-count federal indictment with conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruct justice, subscribing to false tax returns, and making false statements. The charges are related to an alleged scheme between Williamson and at least three other prominent California Democrat political operatives “to divert approximately $225,000 in funds from a dormant political campaign to an associate’s personal use.” The investigation began under the Biden administration, and are the result of a nearly three-year investigation (Red State).

No one works closer with a sitting Governor than their Chief of Staff does

Gavin Newsome’s Chief of Staff arrested on 23 counts Bank Fraud and wire Fraud, Newsome knew about it

I’m calling on @TheJusticeDept to look into how Newscum was able to afford a $9M dollar mansion pic.twitter.com/0MK8z9IbMC

— @Chicago1Ray (@Chicago1Ray) November 12, 2025