Dana Williamson, 53, of Carmichael, pleaded guilty on Thursday to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, subscribing to a false tax return, and making false statements to a federal agent. The charges stem from an investigation into a scheme that began in 2022, involving Williamson and two others, Greg Campbell, 52, of Davis, and Sean McCluskie, 57, also of Davis. Between February 2022 and September 2024, the trio conspired to divert approximately $225,000 from a dormant political campaign into McCluskie's personal accounts. The money was routed through multiple business entities and falsely recorded as payments to McCluskie's spouse for a job she did not perform.
From 2021 to 2023, Williamson claimed $1,718,277 in business deductions for personal expenses, including luxury vacations to Mexico and Santa Barbara, private jet travel, food delivery, veterinary bills, home goods, and payments to family members. These false claims caused a tax loss of $504,523, which Williamson agreed to repay in full to the IRS as part of her plea deal. In November 2024, when questioned by FBI agents, she made false statements about the campaign fund diversion, the creation of backdated contracts at Campbell's assistance, and her role in leaking information to former clients involved in litigation against the state. Her actions were intended to mislead investigators and obscure her involvement in the fraud.
Campbell pleaded guilty on December 4, 2025, to one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government. McCluskie pleaded guilty on November 20, 2025, to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud. All three are awaiting sentencing. A status hearing for Williamson is scheduled before Chief U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley on July 9. She faces up to 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine, and $225,000 in restitution for the fraud conspiracy; up to three years in prison and a $100,000 fine for the false tax return; and up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for making false statements to federal agents.
Dana Williamson claimed lavish personal spending as business deductions while handling political campaign funds, exposing a breach of financial trust. She faces decades in prison and must repay over half a million dollars in unpaid taxes. The case shows how campaign and tax systems can be exploited when oversight fails. No Nigerian individuals or institutions are involved.
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