The former mayor of Oakland, California, Sheng Thao, finds herself embroiled in a significant legal battle following her recall from office in November. A federal grand jury has indicted Thao on corruption charges, alleging a complex web of illicit agreements and quid-pro-quo arrangements involving her boyfriend, Andre Jones, a local waste management executive, David Trung Duong, and his son, Andy Hung Duong. The indictment paints a picture of Thao leveraging her political position for personal gain and engaging in a series of transactions designed to benefit both herself and her associates.
At the heart of the allegations is Thao’s purported agreement to extend a city recycling services contract with California Waste Solutions, a company owned by the Duongs. This agreement, allegedly struck in October 2022, coincided with promises by Thao to purchase housing units from the Duong family and utilize her influence to further their business interests within the city. Prosecutors contend that Thao’s actions constituted a clear breach of public trust, using her mayoral authority to advance private agendas in exchange for financial and political favors.
The indictment details a series of payments allegedly made by the Duongs to Thao and her boyfriend, Andre Jones. These payments included a substantial $75,000 contribution to a negative mailer campaign targeting Thao’s political rivals, a move designed to bolster her electoral prospects. Furthermore, prosecutors allege that the Duongs funneled $300,000 to Thao and Jones disguised as wages for a no-show job for Jones at the Duongs’ housing company. This elaborate scheme, according to the indictment, served as a cover-up for the underlying bribery transactions.
Following her election, Thao reportedly fulfilled her promise to the Duongs by appointing a city official of their choosing, an individual believed to be instrumental in protecting the family’s business investments. This appointment, according to authorities, solidified the quid-pro-quo arrangement and further demonstrated Thao’s willingness to utilize her mayoral authority for the benefit of the Duongs. The indictment alleges a clear pattern of corruption, with Thao repeatedly leveraging her position for personal and political gain.
Thao’s attorney has vehemently denied the allegations, characterizing the indictment as being “chock-full of allegations, but not chock-full of evidence.” The defense is expected to vigorously challenge the prosecution’s case, arguing that the charges are based on flimsy evidence and politically motivated accusations. The upcoming legal proceedings will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized, as the case raises serious questions about the integrity of local governance and the potential for abuse of power.
Meanwhile, an attorney representing Andy Duong has also dismissed the charges as baseless, suggesting that his client is being unfairly targeted due to his involvement in the political sphere. He asserts that the allegations stem from “gossip and supposition” fabricated by individuals lacking credibility. The defense maintains that Andy Duong will be exonerated in court and his reputation cleared. The case highlights the complexities of political corruption investigations and the challenges of unraveling intricate financial transactions and alleged backroom deals.
