Former Oakland Mayor Is Indicted on Federal Corruption Charges

Sheng Thao, who was removed as mayor of Oakland, California, just two months ago amidst mounting dissatisfaction over crime, was charged with federal corruption, prosecutors announced on Friday.

Ms. Thao is one of four individuals facing charges. The federal indictment also includes her boyfriend, Andre Jones; David Trung Duong, the head of a local waste company; and Mr. Duong’s son, Andy Hung Duong.https://svtoday.org/

Patrick D. Robbins, the first assistant U.S. attorney for Northern California, stated on Friday that in October 2022, Ms. Thao had agreed to extend a city contract with the waste company, California Waste Solutions, purchase property from the Duongs, and use her political influence to assist them. In exchange, she received campaign mail services and side payments that benefited both her and Mr. Jones.

According to prosecutors, California Waste Solutions spent $75,000 on a negative campaign mailer to support Ms. Thao’s run for mayor in 2022. After she took office, the company paid Mr. Jones $95,000 for a “no-show” job and promised additional funds in return for Ms. Thao’s influence at City Hall, the indictment alleges.

Prosecutors claim that Ms. Thao took action to support the Duong family’s businesses and appointed a city official of their choosing.

Ms. Thao faces six charges, including bribery, conspiracy, mail fraud, and wire fraud. At their arraignment on Friday, she and the other defendants pleaded not guilty.

Ms. Thao’s attorney, Jeffrey Tsai, denied the validity of the charges. “The indictment and the press conference were successful in making headlines but did not serve justice,” he said.

Ms. Thao was released on a $50,000 bond. Judge Kandis A. Westmore, who presided over her arraignment, ordered that she remain within the region, surrender her passport, and not contact the Duong family, though she may maintain communication with Mr. Jones.

David Duong was released on an unsecured bond with similar travel restrictions, though he was permitted to fly to Washington for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. His lawyers issued a statement denying the charges and pledging to “vigorously defend” the case. Andy Duong’s legal team also denied his involvement, calling the charges “baseless” and accusing prosecutors of relying on “fabrications and delusions.”

“The real disappointment is that Andy is now another Asian American unfairly targeted for his political involvement,” said his lawyers.

The indictment follows Ms. Thao’s removal from office as Oakland’s mayor in a recall election. Two months ago, she became the first major city mayor in over a decade to be recalled, a result of growing frustration over crime, a budget deficit, and the loss of sports teams. Her firing of the popular police chief further eroded public trust.

Confidence in her leadership had already been shaken following an FBI raid on her home in June, as part of a larger investigation that included properties linked to the Duong family. The Duongs had been under investigation for campaign finance violations, including donating through “straw donors” to Ms. Thao’s City Council campaign.

Ms. Thao had overcome significant personal hardships. Raised by Hmong refugees, she faced domestic violence and homelessness before building a career in Oakland politics, eventually becoming the city’s first Hmong American mayor. Her victory in the 2022 mayoral race was bolstered by support from progressive groups and labor unions.

However, despite her efforts, the recall was successful, with over 60% of voters opting to remove her from office. In the same election, Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price, also a progressive Democrat, was recalled.

Following her removal, Ms. Thao issued a statement thanking the city for the opportunity to serve, calling it “an honor of a lifetime.”

A special election will be held in April to select a new mayor, with candidates including former U.S. Representative Barbara Lee, who left her House seat to run for the Senate; Loren Taylor, a Democrat who narrowly lost to Ms. Thao in the 2022 election; and Renia Webb, a former aide to Ms. Thao. The winner will complete Ms. Thao’s term, which ends in January 2027.

Renia Webb, who resigned as Ms. Thao’s aide after learning about the corruption charges, said the indictment marked “a turning point for Oakland.” She added, “We did the right thing in recalling our previous mayor. She was only going to make things worse for us.”