Dana Williamson, former Newsom aide, set for Sept. 17 sentencing in federal corruption case tied to Xavier Becerra

Dana Williamson, the former chief of staff to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 17 in federal court in Sacramento, according to reporting on the case. The sentencing date will determine whether Williamson, who has already entered a guilty plea, will face prison time and what term will apply after prosecutors and defense attorneys reached an agreement on timing.

Williamson pleaded guilty in May in connection with a corruption investigation that federal authorities said involved diversion of $225,000 from a campaign committee account associated with Xavier Becerra, the Democratic frontrunner for governor seeking to succeed Newsom. Multiple outlets reported that the scheme included bank-fraud-related conduct, a false tax return, and statements federal investigators described as false.

According to the reporting, Williamson admitted wrongdoing in a case that also involved Sean McCluskie, described in the coverage as Becerra’s longtime chief of staff. Prosecutors alleged that Williamson helped McCluskie secretly obtain money connected to Becerra’s dormant state campaign, including through arrangements characterized as sham consulting contracts.

CalMatters reported that, as part of the plea resolution, Williamson, McCluskie, and another lobbyist agreed to restitution totaling $225,000 to Becerra. CalMatters also reported that Williamson agreed to pay $500,000 in restitution to the IRS as part of the plea deal. The outlet further reported that prosecutors indicated they would seek sentencing in line with federal guidelines and that defense counsel planned to argue against prison during a hearing that had been expected earlier but was tied to scheduling and Williamson’s medical recovery.

Other coverage described the underlying conduct as involving bank and wire fraud allegations and false statements to investigators. KCRA reported on Williamson’s guilty plea in federal court and the case’s connection to stolen or diverted political funds tied to the Becerra campaign operation.

The case has drawn attention beyond the courtroom because Williamson previously held a senior role in Newsom’s office, serving as chief of staff before departing in 2024, and because Becerra’s gubernatorial effort has made the matter a political focal point in California. The sentencing on Sept. 17 is expected to be among the next major procedural steps, following the guilty plea and the restitution agreements described in reporting.