Sacramento lobbyist Greg Campbell pleaded guilty to fraud and conspiracy charges in a federal probe that has spooked California\u2019s Democratic political establishment.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Campbell, formerly a top aide in the California legislature, was reportedly stoic as he entered a guilty plea Thursday as part of an alleged corrupt scheme involving Gov. Gavin Newsom\u2019s former chief of staff and a longtime top aide to Xavier Becerra, the former Health and Human Services secretary who\u2019s running to replace Newsom as governor.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Xavier Becerra is running to replace Newsom as governor.\u00a0 AP<\/p>\n
California lobbyist Greg Campbell (left) with his attorney, Todd Pickles (right). KCRA 3<\/p>\n
\u201cMr. Campbell will remain focused on his family and making positive contributions to the community,\u201d Todd Pickles, Campbell\u2019s attorney, told reporters Thursday at the courthouse. \u201cMr. Campbell is deeply grateful for the support from his family and friends during this difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Campbell copped to one charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one charge of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. Prosecutors will seek lighter sentencing as part of the plea deal, per the LA Times.\u00a0<\/p>\n
California Gov. Gavin Newsome speaks during the 2025 New York Times Dealbook Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center on December 03, 2025 in New York City. Getty Images<\/p>\n
Campbell is one of three Democratic power brokers charged in a sweeping federal indictment that accused Dana Williamson, a powerful lobbyist and former Newsom staffer, of working with Campbell and Sean McCluskie, Becerra\u2019s former chief of staff, to skim $225,000 from Becerra\u2019s dormant campaign account to pay for a no-show job for McCluskie\u2019s spouse.<\/p>\n
McCluskie pleaded guilty to bank and wire fraud charges last month.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Williamson also falsely claimed more than $1.7 million in tax write-offs for a Chanel bag and earrings, a trip on a chartered jet and a birthday jaunt to Mexico costing nearly $170,000, according to prosecutors.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Dana Williamson has pled not guilty to all of the 23 charges filed against her. Paul Kitagaki Jr.\/ZUMA \/ SplashNews.com<\/p>\n
Campbell helped to gin up fake contracts at Williamson\u2019s request, prosecutors said. Williamson had been subpoenaed questioning her company\u2019s eligibility for PPP loans, and prosecutors alleged that the two conspired to create the retroactive contracts for her firm, Grace Public Affairs.<\/p>\n
Williamson is facing 23 counts including bank fraud and wire fraud. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.\u00a0<\/p>\n