Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and Partner Indicted on Bribery Charges Involving $95,000 Payment

Jan 17, 2025, 01:29 AM

Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao has been indicted by a federal grand jury on bribery charges following an extensive FBI corruption investigation. The indictment also includes Thao's longtime partner, Andre Jones, and members of the Duong family, David and Andy Duong, who own California Waste Solutions. The charges stem from allegations that Thao received kickbacks in exchange for political favors, including the extension of a recycling contract and the purchase of housing units from a company owned by the Duongs. Specifically, the Duongs allegedly paid $95,000 to Jones for a no-show job and funded negative mailers targeting Thao's political rivals. The FBI raided Thao's home and several other locations last year as part of this investigation. Thao was recalled from office in November, and the indictments were announced after a press conference by federal authorities.