Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and Three Others Indicted on Bribery and Fraud Charges, Facing Up to 95 Years

Jan 17, 2025, 05:48 PM

Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, along with her boyfriend 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, promising to extend their company's recycling contract and purchase housing units from their housing company in exchange for campaign support and payments. Specifically, the Duongs allegedly funded a $75,000 negative mailer campaign targeting Thao's opponents during the 2022 mayoral election and paid Jones $95,000 for a no-show job, with an initial promise of $300,000. The charges come two months after Thao was recalled from office amid voter frustrations with crime and city governance. Thao has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which could result in up to 95 years in prison if convicted. Her next court appearance is scheduled for February 6. The indictment also mentions an unnamed co-conspirator, believed to be Mario Juarez, who was involved in discussions about the scheme.