FBI raids and a recycling firm: how a promising US mayor wound up at the center of a bribery scandal
Summary
Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and three co-defendants are on trial in a federal case over an alleged bribery scheme involving the city’s recycling contractor. Prosecutors allege the contractor’s owners supported Thao’s 2022 campaign and offered her partner a paid position in exchange for city contracts and other favors; Thao faces six federal counts and could receive up to 20 years in prison if convicted.Key Facts
- FBI agents raided a home associated with Thao in Oakland on June 20, 2024.
- Thao was elected mayor of Oakland in 2022 and was recalled in November 2024.
- Thao was indicted on federal corruption charges two months after the recall.
- Prosecutors allege David and Andy Duong paid for campaign mailers attacking Thao’s rivals and promised her partner, Andre Jones, a $300,000 no-show job.
- Prosecutors allege Thao promised to extend California Waste Solutions’ city contract, appoint people favored by the Duongs to municipal positions, and buy converted shipping-container homes from a company they ran.
- Thao and three co-defendants are facing trial over the alleged scheme.
- Thao faces six federal counts and could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
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