FBI Wiretap Reveals $225,000 Scheme in California Capitol Corruption Probe

An FBI alert has been dispatched to California State Capitol policymakers and lobbyists, notifying them that their phone conversations may have been recorded as part of an ongoing political corruption probe. The letters, which began arriving this month, indicate that communications were intercepted between May and July 2024 under a court order. This development has sent ripples through Sacramento's political circles, with many questioning the full scope of the federal investigation.

The probe centers on charges against Dana Williamson, former chief of staff to Governor Gavin Newsom, who faces nearly two-dozen fraud-related counts. Prosecutors allege Williamson and co-conspirators siphoned approximately $225,000 from the dormant campaign account of former state Attorney General Xavier Becerra. The federal indictment also names Sean McCluskie, former chief of staff to Becerra, and lobbyist Greg Campbell.

McCluskie and Campbell have reportedly pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, with Campbell also facing a charge of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Williamson, however, has pleaded not guilty to all allegations. The charges against Williamson include misusing campaign funds, lying to obtain a COVID loan, and falsely claiming personal expenses as business deductions.

While some current members of Governor Newsom's office received the FBI letters, a spokesperson confirmed that Governor Newsom himself did not. The governor's office stated it holds its team to high ethical standards and is processing the seriousness of the allegations. The investigation has also touched upon allegations of Williamson influencing litigation involving Activision Blizzard, a former client of her consulting business.

Democratic strategist Andrew Acosta commented on the unfolding situation, stating, "Does it end with these three or is there other stuff that's going to be uncovered? I think that's what everyone is sort of wondering." This sentiment reflects broader anxiety within the Capitol community, as the investigation's full reach remains uncertain. The current probe marks another instance of federal scrutiny in California's political landscape, following previous high-profile corruption cases.