Two former high-ranking political staffers—Greg Campbell and Sean McCluskie—appeared in federal court in Sacramento, where they indicated plans to plead guilty in a scheme involving the alleged theft of about $225,000 from a dormant campaign account belonging to Xavier Becerra. Both currently plead not guilty but have signed plea agreements with federal prosecutors. They face conspiracy charges tied to bank fraud and wire fraud, with Campbell facing an additional conspiracy count. A fourth individual, Alexis Podesta, is not charged and is cooperating. The case does not accuse Gov. Gavin Newsom or Becerra of wrongdoing.

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