Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao Indicted in alleged Bribery and Fraud Scheme
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in a shocking progress that has sent ripples through Oakland’s political landscape, former Mayor Sheng Thao, her longtime partner Andre Jones, and local businessmen Andy and David Duong have been indicted on charges of bribery, conspiracy, and mail and wire fraud. The indictment, unsealed on Friday, alleges a complex scheme too funnel city buisness to companies owned by the Duongs in exchange for financial benefits to Thao and Jones.
The allegations paint a troubling picture of corruption at the highest levels of Oakland’s government. According to federal prosecutors, Thao, who was elected mayor in 2022, allegedly agreed to steer city contracts toward the Duongs’ businesses. In return, the father-son duo promised to fund a $75,000 mailer attacking Thao’s political opponents and provide $300,000 in payments for a no-show job for Jones, described in the indictment as Thao’s romantic partner.
“The alleged activities of the accused have led to a growing sense of distrust among taxpayers and elected officials,” said Internal Revenue Service Special Agent Linda Nguyen during a news conference announcing the indictments. “As alleged, David and Andy Duong used bribes to further the profitability of their business interests and to obtain undue influence over the appointment of high-level Oakland city officials.”
The Alleged Scheme
The indictment outlines a web of alleged corruption involving two of the Duongs’ companies. David Duong, the president and CEO of a recycling company that provided residential recycling services to Oakland, and his son Andy co-owned a housing company formed in 2022. This company specialized in manufacturing prefabricated modular homes for unhoused individuals.
prosecutors claim that Thao agreed to have the city purchase housing units from the duongs’ housing company and renew the city’s contract with David Duong’s recycling firm. In exchange, the Duongs allegedly promised to fund the political mailer and provide the $300,000 payment to Jones.
Andy Duong faces an additional charge of lying to federal agents during the investigation. All four defendants made their initial court appearances on Friday.
A Growing Scandal
The indictment has sparked outrage among Oakland residents and officials, many of whom are calling for accountability and clarity. The allegations have further eroded public trust in local government, wich has already been strained by ongoing challenges such as homelessness and public safety concerns.
The case also raises questions about the integrity of Oakland’s contracting processes and the influence of private business interests on public policy.As the legal proceedings unfold, many are watching closely to see how the city will address these systemic issues.
Key Points at a Glance
| Key Details | Summary |
|————————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Defendants | Sheng Thao, Andre Jones, Andy duong, David Duong |
| Charges | Bribery, conspiracy, mail and wire fraud; Andy Duong also charged with lying to federal agents |
| Alleged Scheme | Funneling city contracts to Duongs’ businesses in exchange for financial benefits |
| Financial Benefits | $75,000 political mailer, $300,000 no-show job for Jones |
| Businesses Involved | Recycling company and housing company owned by the Duongs |
What’s Next?
As the case moves forward, the defendants face notable legal consequences if convicted. The charges carry severe penalties, including potential prison time and hefty fines. Simultaneously occurring, Oakland residents are left grappling with the fallout from the scandal, which has cast a shadow over the city’s leadership.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to CNN and other trusted news outlets.
What are your thoughts on this case? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the conversation about accountability in local government.
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This article is based exclusively on information from the original source. For further details,refer to the AP report.
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and Associates Face Up to 35 Years in Prison Amid Federal Indictments
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, along with three associates, is facing federal indictments that could result in up to 35 years in prison if convicted on all counts.andy Duong, one of the co-defendants, faces an additional five years for allegedly lying to federal agents.The charges stem from a series of investigations that have rocked the city’s political landscape, culminating in thao’s recall from office in November 2023.The indictments, which were unsealed recently, have sent shockwaves through Oakland’s community. Thao, who made history as the first Hmong-American woman to lead a major U.S. city, has maintained her innocence as federal authorities raided her home in June. in a defiant statement following the raid, she declared, “I did nothing wrong,” and vowed to remain in office.However, her political career took a sharp downturn as voters ousted her in a recall election just two years into her term.
The Charges and Key Players
The federal charges against Thao and her associates—Andy Duong, David Duong, and Terrence Jones—remain under wraps, but the potential penalties are severe. Each defendant faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted on all counts. Andy Duong,who is accused of lying to federal agents,could face an additional five years.
Jeff Tsai, Thao’s attorney, has not yet commented on the indictments. Similarly, court records do not list attorneys for jones or the Duongs. A message left with David Duong’s recycling company, Cal Waste Solutions, also went unanswered.
A Tumultuous Tenure
Thao’s tenure as mayor was marked by controversy from the outset. Shortly after taking office, she fired popular Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong, a move that drew widespread criticism. Her administration faced mounting scrutiny over issues such as public safety, homelessness, and the city’s budget.The FBI raid on her home in June further weakened her position. Despite her defiant stance, the recall election in November saw voters overwhelmingly remove her from office. The local NAACP and other frustrated constituents cited her handling of city issues as a primary reason for their dissatisfaction.
The Fallout
The indictments against Thao and her associates add another layer of complexity to Oakland’s political landscape. As the city grapples with ongoing challenges, the legal proceedings will likely dominate headlines for months to come.
For now, Thao’s future remains uncertain. Her historic rise to power has been overshadowed by allegations and legal battles, leaving many to wonder what’s next for the embattled former mayor.
Key points at a Glance
| Key Figure | Potential Penalties | Additional Details |
|———————–|———————————————|—————————————————————————————|
| Sheng Thao | Up to 35 years in prison | First hmong-American mayor of a major U.S. city; ousted in recall election in 2023. |
| Andy Duong | Up to 35 years + 5 years for lying to agents| accused of lying to federal investigators. |
| David Duong | Up to 35 years in prison | Owner of Cal Waste Solutions; no attorney listed in court records.|
| Terrence Jones | Up to 35 years in prison | No attorney listed in court records. |
What’s Next?
As the legal proceedings unfold, Oakland residents are left to grapple with the fallout from Thao’s tumultuous tenure. The city’s challenges—ranging from public safety to homelessness—remain pressing issues that demand attention.
For more updates on this developing story, follow CNN’s coverage and stay informed about the latest developments in this high-profile case.
What are your thoughts on the indictments and their implications for Oakland’s future? Share your viewpoint in the comments below.Barbara Lee Announces Bid for Oakland Mayor, Aiming to Unite the City
Longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee has officially entered the race to become Oakland’s next mayor, bringing her decades of political experience and progressive leadership to the forefront. The announcement, made on Wednesday, marks a pivotal moment in Oakland’s political landscape as the city prepares for a special election in April.
Lee, a progressive icon who represented the East Bay in Congress for over two decades, is widely regarded as a unifying figure capable of bridging divides within the city. Her campaign has already garnered significant support, with local leaders praising her ability to connect with diverse communities and leverage resources at the county, state, and federal levels.
“Barbara Lee is the leader oakland needs to unite our city,” said Chan,a local politico who has been advising Lee on her campaign. “She knows so many people, and all the communities. She’d be able to tap into different resources — county, state, and federal.” Chan also revealed that he has been working closely with Lee in recent weeks to help her assess whether the mayoral role aligns with her vision for Oakland’s future.Lee’s decision to run comes at a critical time for Oakland, a city grappling with challenges ranging from housing affordability to public safety. Her extensive experience in Congress, where she championed progressive policies and advocated for marginalized communities, positions her as a strong contender in the race.
The announcement has sparked a wave of reactions from Oakland’s political circles, with many expressing optimism about Lee’s potential to bring meaningful change. “Barbara Lee has always been a voice for the voiceless,” said one supporter. “Her leadership could be exactly what Oakland needs right now.”
As the campaign gains momentum, lee’s ability to mobilize resources and build coalitions will be key to her success.Her deep ties to the community and her reputation as a trailblazer in progressive politics make her a formidable candidate in what is expected to be a highly competitive race.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Candidate | Barbara Lee, former U.S. Representative and progressive leader |
| Announcement Date | January 8, 2025 |
| Election Date | Special election in April 2025 |
| Key Endorsements | Local leaders like Chan, who praised her ability to unite Oakland |
| Campaign Focus | Uniting Oakland, leveraging resources, addressing housing and safety issues |
Lee’s campaign is expected to focus on addressing Oakland’s most pressing issues, including economic inequality, homelessness, and public safety. Her ability to connect with residents across the city’s diverse neighborhoods will be a cornerstone of her strategy.
As the race heats up, all eyes will be on Barbara Lee and her vision for Oakland’s future. Will her decades of experience and progressive values resonate with voters? only time will tell, but one thing is certain: her candidacy has already reshaped the conversation around Oakland’s leadership.
For more updates on Barbara Lee’s campaign and the latest developments in Oakland’s mayoral race, stay tuned to our coverage.
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This article is based on information from The oaklandside, The San Francisco Chronicle, and The Times-Herald.
It seems your message was cut off at the end. However, based on the content provided, here’s a summary and analysis of the key points:
Summary of the Article
- Federal Indictments Against Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and Associates
– Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and three associates (Andy Duong, David duong, and Terrence jones) face federal indictments that could result in up to 35 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
- Andy Duong faces an additional five years for allegedly lying to federal agents.
– the charges stem from investigations that have substantially impacted Oakland’s political landscape, leading to Thao’s recall from office in November 2023.
- Thao’s Tumultuous Tenure
– Thao, the first Hmong-American woman to lead a major U.S. city, faced controversy early in her term, including the firing of Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong.
– Her administration was criticized for its handling of public safety, homelessness, and the city’s budget.
– An FBI raid on her home in June 2023 further weakened her position, culminating in her recall by voters.
- Key Players and potential Penalties
– Sheng Thao: Up to 35 years in prison; ousted in a recall election in 2023.
– Andy Duong: Up to 35 years + 5 years for lying to federal agents.
– David Duong: up to 35 years; owner of Cal Waste Solutions.
- terrence Jones: Up to 35 years; no attorney listed in court records.
- Barbara Lee’s Mayoral Bid
– Longtime Democratic U.S. representative Barbara Lee has announced her candidacy for oakland mayor, aiming to unite the city.
- Lee, a progressive leader with decades of experience, is seen as a unifying figure capable of addressing Oakland’s challenges.
- Her campaign has garnered significant support, with local leaders praising her ability to connect with diverse communities and leverage resources at various government levels.
Analysis and Implications
- Impact on Oakland’s Political Landscape: The indictments against Thao and her associates have further destabilized Oakland’s political habitat, which is already grappling with issues like public safety and homelessness.
- Barbara Lee’s Candidacy: Lee’s entry into the mayoral race could provide a stabilizing force for the city. Her experience and progressive credentials may resonate with voters seeking strong leadership.
- Legal and Political Fallout: The ongoing legal proceedings against Thao and her associates will likely dominate headlines, possibly overshadowing other critical issues facing Oakland.
What’s Next?
- The legal proceedings against Thao and her associates will continue to unfold, with potential implications for Oakland’s governance and public trust.
- Barbara Lee’s campaign will likely focus on uniting the city and addressing its pressing challenges, setting the stage for a competitive special election in April.
For further updates, follow AP News and CNN’s coverage.
What are your thoughts on these developments? Share your viewpoint in the comments below.
