Former Mayor Indicted on Serious Charges

Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao has been hit with federal charges in an alleged bribery scheme that could land her behind bars for decades.

Key Takeaways

Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and three others have been indicted on federal bribery and fraud charges.
The alleged scheme involved promising official actions in exchange for political and financial favors.
The defendants face potential prison sentences of up to 60 years if convicted.
The case highlights concerns over corruption and public trust in local government.

Federal Indictment Unsealed

An eight-count federal indictment has been unsealed against former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, her partner Andre Jones, and businessmen David Trung Duong and Andy Hung Duong. The charges include conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery concerning federal programs, and honest services fraud. Andy Duong faces an additional charge of making false statements to government agents.

The indictment alleges that Thao engaged in a corrupt scheme to benefit the Duongs’ businesses by promising favorable treatment in exchange for financial contributions and campaign backing. This alleged scheme included extending city contracts and influencing key city appointments.

BREAKING: Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao has been criminally indicted for bribery, mail fraud, wire fraud, and corruption following an FBI investigation pic.twitter.com/T1iJcX3Ut8

— BAY AREA STATE OF MIND (@YayAreaNews) January 17, 2025

Details of the Alleged Scheme

According to the Department of Justice, Thao said she would take official actions as the mayor of Oakland to benefit David Duong and Andy Duong in exchange for various benefits to herself and Jones. These alleged benefits included funding a $75,000 negative campaign against Thao’s opponents and payments of $95,000 to Jones for a no-show job.

The indictment further alleges that Thao used her influence to appoint city officials selected by the Duongs and facilitated meetings with their housing company. Additionally, Thao allegedly committed Oakland to purchase housing units from the Duongs’ company and extend a recycling contract with their business.

Concealment and Consequences

The prosecution claims that the defendants took steps to conceal their bribery scheme through various means, including creating false invoices and misrepresenting Jones’ employment status with the Duongs’ company. They also allegedly failed to disclose benefits received on required California financial disclosure forms.

If convicted, the defendants face significant prison sentences, with maximums ranging from 5 to 20 years per count.

Impact on Public Trust

The case has raised serious concerns about corruption in local government and its impact on public trust. Law enforcement officials have emphasized the importance of honesty and transparency in public office.

Thao, who made history as the first Hmong-American woman mayor of a major U.S. city, was ousted in a recall election just two years after taking office. Her tenure was marked by controversy, including criticism over public safety issues, homelessness, and budget concerns. The federal investigation, which included a raid on Thao’s home in June, has further tarnished her political legacy.

As the case moves forward, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity in public service and the consequences of alleged corruption in local government.