Gubernatorial contender Steve Hilton urges FBI to re-question Xavier Becerra over $225K campaign scheme

In a formal request dated Aug. 30, California Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton asked the FBI to re-interview Democratic rival Xavier Becerra regarding a federal corruption investigation tied to $225,000 allegedly siphoned from Becerra’s inactive campaign account. Hilton’s letter, addressed to Attorney General Todd Blanche, FBI Director Kash Patel and Eastern District U.S. Attorney Eric Grant, cites the recent guilty pleas of three individuals close to Becerra—Dana Williamson, Sean McCluskie and lobbyist Greg Campbell.

The indictment alleges that money was funneled through Williamson’s consulting firm to McCluskie’s wife, with Becerra purportedly aware of the $10,000-a-month payments. Hilton and California attorney-general candidate Michael Gates contend that evidence uncovered after Becerra’s initial interview warrants direct questioning about his knowledge of the scheme. Becerra maintains he was misled, insisting the funds were legitimate campaign-management fees and that he did not know they were used for illegal purposes. Federal prosecutors have so far treated Becerra as a victim and have not filed charges.