Gavin Newsoms criminal ex-chief of staff haunts him in DOJ investigations

As the Department of Justice probes Gov.Gavin Newsom and his wife on multiple fronts, a fresh scandal involving one of his closest former aides is raising new questions about the company he kept in Sacramento.Dana Williamson, who led Newsom’s office as chief of staff from late 2022 to early 2025, pleaded guilty last month to a conspiracy to loot a congressional campaign account tied to Xavier Becerra — the former Biden cabinet secretary now leading the Democratic field to replace Newsom as California governor.But that was only part of Williamson’s legal troubles.

She also admitted to filing false tax returns and lying to the FBI about her official dealings involving former client Activision Blizzard — the video game giant at the center of one of California’s most high-profile workplace discrimination cases.Williamson’s guilty plea — and a highly anticipated sentencing hearing next month — has cast a glaring spotlight on Newsom, who this week accused the Trump administration of weaponizing the Justice Department against him as he weighs a run for president in 2028.A source familiar with the federal probes told The California Post that Williamson’s actions could present a particular challenge for the governor, who curiously issued a statement honoring “her insight, tenacity, and big heart” despite knowing she was under FBI investigation when she left his office in late 2024.The investigation into Williamson dates back to 2022, a source told The Post, and other outlets have reported that the original investigation stemmed from whistleblower complaints here in California.Investigators, meanwhile, have increasingly focused on Newsom’s orbit over the past year. Williamson’s conduct appears to be one facet of a broader inquiry that includes scrutiny of Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s taxes and business arrangements and members of the governor’s staff.Neither Newsom nor his wife have been charged with any wrongdoing.

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