Dana Williamson, Gov. Gavin Newsom's former chief of staff, was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit fraud and obstruct justice, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.

Court documents allege that Williamson, 53, conspired with others to divert about $225,000 in funds from a dormant political campaign to an associate's personal use, prosecutors said. That money, they charge, was then funneled through various business entities and disguised as pay for a "no-show job," prosecutors allege.

"This is a crucial step in an ongoing political corruption investigation that began more than three years ago," U.S. Attorney Eric Grant said.

From February 2022 to September 2024, federal prosecutors allege Williamson conspired with a business associate to create false and backdated contracts.

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