Ex-top aide to Newsom indicted over scheme to steal money from ex-US health secretary

Dana Williamson among five co-conspirators in scheme to steal more than $225,000 from Xavier Becerra's campaign

A former top aide to California governor Gavin Newsom has been arrested over federal charges alleging her involvement in a scheme to steal campaign money from Xavier Becerra, the former US health secretary.

Dana Williamson was indicted on 23 counts that include bank and wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the US, and was scheduled to make her first court appearance Wednesday in Sacramento. It was not immediately clear whether she had an attorney who could speak on her behalf. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison.