Dana Williamson, former chief of staff to California Governor Gavin Newsom, accepted a federal plea deal in a public corruption case involving alleged misuse of campaign funds tied to former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra.

She pleaded guilty to campaign finance fraud, lying to the FBI, and filing a false tax return, admitting to parts of a “conduit scheme” that diverted campaign money for improper purposes.

Prosecutors said the scheme involved funneling funds from Becerra’s campaign to inflate staff salaries and included false statements to conceal the activity, though Becerra has not been charged.

Williamson faces potential prison time under sentencing guidelines and must repay hundreds of thousands of dollars in restitution and stolen campaign funds, Politico has reported.

The case has become politically sensitive in California’s governor’s race, where rivals continue to highlight the allegations despite her plea deal.