Dana Williamson, who served as chief of staff to Governor Gavin Newsom and as a top advisor to Xavier Becerra, may not be sentenced on September 17 as scheduled. Her attorney, McGregor Scott, filed a motion on September 3 asking to continue the sentencing after Williamson had an unplanned surgery on September 4. Chief U.S. District Judge Troy Nunnelly approved sealing the health-related documents this week, including medical records and a text from Williamson’s mother.
Williamson pleaded guilty in May to three federal felonies: conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, filing a false tax return, and lying to investigators. She admitted to diverting $225,000 from a dormant Becerra campaign account to Becerra’s former chief of staff, Sean McCluskie, and to claiming $1.7 million in false business deductions for personal expenses. She owes roughly $504,000 to the IRS. The bank fraud charge alone carries a maximum of 30 years and a $1 million fine, though her attorney expects no more than three years under sentencing guidelines.
Prosecutors have not yet responded to the delay request. Williamson had a liver transplant earlier this year, and it is unclear whether the new medical issue is related. McCluskie’s own sentencing is scheduled for October. With Becerra now running for governor, every development in this case carries political weight across California.
Do you think the judge should grant the delay, or should the sentencing move forward as scheduled? Let us know in the comments.
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
