Newsom’s former chief of staff arrested for fraud

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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

00:15and claimed more than $1 million in personal expenses as business deductions.

00:20According to authorities, Williamson and her associate funneled the money through various business entities

00:25and disguised it as pay for what was, in reality, a no-show job.

00:30The scheme reportedly ran from February 2022 to September 2024.

00:36Politico noted that the alleged crimes took place while Williamson served as Newsom's Chief of Staff.

00:41Before that, she was an advisor and Cabinet Secretary for former Governor Jerry Brown.

00:46A federal grand jury charged Williamson with conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud,

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

00:56filing false tax returns, and making false statements to the FBI.

01:01According to the indictment, Williamson and a collaborator created fake contracts following a civil subpoena in 2024

01:07from the U.S. Attorney's Office about Paycheck Protection Program loans made to her business.

01:13Williamson allegedly claimed more than $1 million in fake business deductions,

01:18spending the funds on private jets, designer handbags, and luxury hotels.

01:21As first reported by the Sacramento Bee, Williamson is named along with Greg Campbell,

01:27Sean McCluskey, and two others.

01:29There are 23 counts total.

01:31The 18 bank and wire fraud charges each carry a maximum of 20 years in prison

01:36and up to $250,000 in fines.

01:40Authorities say Williamson's alleged tax offense carries a potential fine of up to $100,000.

01:46Today's charges are the result of three years of relentless investigative work.

01:51In partnership with IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Attorney's Office,

01:56FBI Sacramento special agent in charge, Sid Patel said,

02:00The FBI will remain vigilant in its efforts to uncover fraud and corruption,

02:06ensuring our government systems are held to the highest standards, he continued.

02:11In her statement, IRS special agent in charge, Linda Nguyen,

02:15alleged that Williamson had been disguising personal luxuries as business expenses.

02:20The FBI's Office, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office,