SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A leading California Democratic strategist pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiracy to commit bank fraud in a scheme targeting campaign funds of Xavier Becerra while he was U.S. Health Secretary.

The matter has put Becerra under scrutiny in his run for California governor, as primary voting continues through June 2. During Thursday night's televised debate, competitors hammered him on the issue to portray him as unqualified, but Becerra fired back by stressing his noninvolvement.

"Accept the facts," he declared.

Dana Williamson entered her guilty plea in Sacramento court, conceding three of the 23 initial charges against her. She previously acted as a senior campaign consultant for Becerra and as chief of staff to Governor Gavin Newsom, who remains unaccused.

The plea arrangement sets a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine for the bank fraud charge. Her attorney, McGregor Scott, expects no more than three years under federal guidelines and aims to push for less.

The federal indictment outlined how Williamson coordinated with accomplices, including longtime Becerra aide Sean McCluskie, to divert money from a dormant state campaign account. The goal was to supplement McCluskie's pay after he took on the role of Becerra's chief of staff in Washington.

McCluskie finalized his plea deal on Oct. 30, admitting conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. Court records show he committed to repaying the $225,000 extracted from the account.

Scott attributed the plot to McCluskie's financial struggles, with Williamson stepping in to support him.

"She was simply trying to help a friend in a pinch as best she could," Scott told reporters.

A former congressman, Becerra became California attorney general in 2017 via appointment, won reelection in 2018 with Williamson at the helm of his campaign, and was later tapped by President Joe Biden to lead Health and Human Services.

Becerra offered no direct response to Williamson's plea. In November, he labeled the "accusations of impropriety by a long-serving trusted adviser" a "gut punch."

Williamson ranks as a veteran force in Sacramento Democratic circles, noted for her shrewd and confrontational tactics in public and behind-the-scenes battles. She served as a cabinet secretary under ex-Governor Jerry Brown, founded her own political firm, and later joined Newsom's team as chief of staff.

Prosecutors also alleged Williamson filed bogus tax returns for her firm from 2021 to 2023, deducting over $1 million for personal splurges like luxury handbags and jewelry, private jet trips, Mexico getaways, a home HVAC upgrade, and hefty sums to relatives for nonexistent roles.