Newsom’s former chief of staff arrested for fraud

Watch Newsom’s former chief of staff arrested for fraud - Rizzle on Dailymotion

Transcript

00:00Newsom's former Chief of Staff Arrested for Fraud

00:03Dana Williamson, once California Governor Gavin Newsom's top aide,

00:08now faces federal charges after authorities say she funneled $225,000 from a dormant campaign

00:14and claimed more than $1 million in personal expenses as business deductions.

00:19According to authorities, Williamson and her associate funneled the money through various business entities

00:24and disguised it as pay for what was, in reality, a no-show job.

00:29The scheme reportedly ran from February 2022 to September 2024.

00:35Politico noted that the alleged crimes took place while Williamson served as Newsom's Chief of Staff.

00:40Before that, she was an advisor and Cabinet Secretary for former Governor Jerry Brown.

00:45A federal grand jury charged Williamson with conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud,

00:50conspiracy to defraud the U.S., and obstruct justice,

00:54filing false tax returns and making false statements to the FBI.

00:57Williamson allegedly claimed more than $1 million in fake business deductions,

01:03spending the funds on private jets, designer handbags, and luxury hotels.

01:08As first reported by the Sacramento Bee,

01:10Williamson is named along with Greg Campbell, Sean McCluskey, and two others.

01:14There are 23 counts total.

01:16The 18 bank and wire fraud charges each carry a maximum of 20 years in prison

01:21and up to $250,000 in fines.

01:25Authorities say Williamson's alleged tax offense carries a potential fine of up to $100,000.

01:31Today's charges are the result of three years of relentless investigative work.

01:35In partnership with IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Attorney's Office,

01:40FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel said,

01:44The FBI will remain vigilant in its efforts to uncover fraud and corruption,

01:49ensuring our government systems are held to the highest standards.

01:52He continued,

01:53In her statement,

01:55IRS Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen alleged that Williamson had been disguising personal luxuries as business expenses.