California Political Consultant and Former Public Official Pleads Guilty in Campaign Fraud, Tax Fraud, and False Statements Case

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California political consultant and former public official Dana Williamson has pleaded guilty to multiple federal crimes tied to what prosecutors describe as a years-long financial fraud operation involving diverted political campaign funds, fabricated contracts, false tax filings, and deceptive statements made to federal investigators.

Williamson, 53, of Carmichael, California, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, subscribing to a false tax return, and making false statements to a federal agent, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.

Federal prosecutors stated the case emerged from a multiyear investigation launched in 2022 into what investigators referred to as the “Conduit Scheme,” an operation authorities allege was designed to siphon dormant campaign funds through intermediary business entities while disguising the transactions as legitimate consulting or employment payments.

U.S. Attorney Eric Grant stated the case involved a deliberate abuse of political and public trust.

“As part of an investigation that began in 2022, Williamson joins the two others who were charged in the ‘Conduit Scheme’ conspiracy in pleading guilty,” Grant said. “These conspirators, three of whom are former public officials, shockingly looted campaign funds for personal benefit.”

Federal prosecutors allege Williamson conspired with Greg Campbell, 52, of Davis, California, Sean McCluskie, 57, of Davis, and others between February 2022 and September 2024 to divert approximately $225,000 from a dormant political campaign account.

According to court documents, investigators allege the funds were funneled through multiple business entities before ultimately being routed for the personal benefit of McCluskie through what prosecutors described as a fictitious no-show employment arrangement involving McCluskie’s spouse.

Authorities stated the transactions were intentionally disguised to create the appearance of legitimate campaign-related expenditures while concealing the true destination and purpose of the funds.

Federal investigators further allege Williamson engaged in extensive tax fraud spanning multiple years by improperly classifying large volumes of personal spending as deductible business expenses.

According to prosecutors, Williamson claimed approximately $1.7 million in fraudulent business deductions between 2021 and 2023.

The expenditures allegedly included luxury vacations to Mexico and Santa Barbara, private jet travel, food delivery services, purported wages paid to family members, veterinary expenses, landscaping services, home goods purchases, and additional personal lifestyle expenses that prosecutors stated were not legally deductible.

Federal authorities stated the fraudulent deductions resulted in a tax loss to the Internal Revenue Service exceeding $504,000.

As part of the plea agreement, Williamson agreed to repay the IRS in full through restitution.

The investigation also uncovered allegations that Williamson attempted to obstruct or mislead investigators during the federal inquiry.

According to prosecutors, Williamson made false statements to FBI agents during questioning in November 2024 regarding the diversion of campaign funds and efforts to fabricate documentation connected to the investigation.

Authorities allege Williamson requested that Greg Campbell create false and backdated contracts after receiving a civil subpoena connected to Paycheck Protection Program loans involving her business operations.

Federal prosecutors additionally allege Williamson concealed efforts to pass information to former clients and business associates to provide them with advantages in litigation involving the State of California.

FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel stated the investigation centered on corruption, deception, and financial abuse carried out under the cover of political consulting and public service.

“Dana Williamson and her co-conspirators weaponized public trust for personal gain,” Patel said. “They stole from a campaign account, fabricated contracts, filed false tax returns, and lied to federal agents.”

IRS Criminal Investigation Oakland Field Office Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen stated investigators uncovered deliberate financial manipulation strategies designed to conceal the movement of money and mislead authorities.

“Today’s plea highlights the calculated and far-reaching nature of this scheme, which involved using pass-through payments, creating fabricated records, and taking steps to mislead federal investigators,” Nguyen said.

Federal investigators continue warning that political finance schemes increasingly involve layered business entities, consulting structures, shell companies, digital payment channels, and fabricated contractual arrangements designed to disguise personal enrichment as legitimate campaign or operational expenditures.

Authorities also continue monitoring abuse involving dormant campaign accounts, political action committees, and nonprofit-linked financial networks where oversight gaps can create opportunities for concealed transfers and unauthorized expenditures.

Court records show Williamson’s co-defendants previously entered guilty pleas connected to the broader conspiracy.

Greg Campbell pleaded guilty in December 2025 to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, along with conspiracy to defraud the United States and commit offenses against the United States.

Sean McCluskie pleaded guilty in November 2025 to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud.

Both defendants are scheduled to appear before Chief United States District Judge Troy L. Nunley on June 4, 2026, for sentencing status proceedings.

Williamson’s sentencing status conference is currently scheduled for July 9, 2026.

Federal prosecutors stated Williamson faces a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison tied to the conspiracy charge, along with additional penalties connected to the false tax return and false statements convictions.

The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the multiyear investigation.

Assistant United States Attorneys Michael D. Anderson, Katherine T. Lydon, and Matthew Thuesen, alongside Public Integrity Section Trial Attorney Alexandre Dempsey, are prosecuting the case.

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United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California / FBI Sacramento / IRS Criminal Investigation

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