Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, Partner, and Duong Family Indicted on Bribery Charges; Faces Up to 95 Years

Jan 17, 2025, 05:41 PM

Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, along with her longtime partner Andre Jones and businessmen David and Andy Duong, have been indicted on federal charges of bribery, conspiracy, mail fraud, and wire fraud. The indictment alleges that Thao engaged in a corrupt relationship with the Duongs, who own California Waste Solutions, a recycling company contracted by the city of Oakland. In the lead-up to the 2022 mayoral election, Thao allegedly promised to benefit the Duongs' companies in exchange for financial support, including funding a $75,000 negative mailer campaign against her opponents and paying Jones $95,000 for a 'no-show job' at California Waste Solutions. After Thao's election, she is accused of using her influence to appoint a high-level city official favored by the Duongs. Thao, Jones, and the Duongs have all pleaded not guilty to the charges. If convicted, Thao faces up to 95 years in prison.