Overview
- Williamson, a former chief of staff to Gov. Gavin Newsom, pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, subscribing to a false tax return, and making false statements.
- Prosecutors say she and allies siphoned about $225,000 from a dormant Xavier Becerra campaign account using fake consulting contracts and a no‑show job that funneled money to Becerra’s then–chief of staff.
- The plea deal drops the other 20 counts from a 23‑count indictment and requires restitution that includes $225,000 to Becerra’s campaign and about $500,000 to the IRS, with sentencing expected in July.
- Becerra has not been charged and is described by prosecutors as a victim, while the case pressures his governor bid as voting is underway and rivals question his oversight of the $10,000‑per‑month payments.
- Co‑conspirators Sean McCluskie and Greg Campbell pleaded guilty late last year, with sentencings set for June 4, and the filings note that federal employees are barred from taking part in campaign activities that benefit them.