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Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao quit her job in disgrace when the scandal first surfaced. On January 17 she was formally indicted, along with her “longtime partner.” Two local businessmen were charged separately and theirs were unsealed on Friday.
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Shop NowDemocrat Mayor indicted
Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao was as progressive as any Democrat can be. She tried to share the wealth like a true socialist.
According to the federal indictment, Thao and her cronies “conspired to funnel city business to companies owned by the men in exchange for money and benefits to Thao and her partner.” It was a cozy little arrangement.
Along with the former mayor, Andre Jones and business owners Andy and David Duong stand accused of “bribery, conspiracy and mail and wire fraud.”
Andy Duong got an extra bonus charge of lying to federal agents. All four of them had their first day in court on Friday.
Federal prosecutors are convinced they can prove “Thao, who was elected Oakland’s mayor in 2022, agreed that the city would purchase housing units from one of the Duongs’ companies.”
On top of that, she would “renew the city’s contract with a recycling company David Duong owned.”
Quid pro quo
The quid pro quo, prosecutors declare, is crystal clear. “In exchange, David Duong and his son, Andy, promised to fund a $75,000 mailer attacking Thao’s political opponents and make $300,000 in payments for a no-show job for Jones.”
He’s the “longtime romantic partner” who claimed sanctuary with the Democrat mayor in Oakland. The IRS was in on the bust, too.
“The alleged activities of the accused,” Special Agent Linda Nguyen relates, “have led to a growing sense of distrust among taxpayers and elected officials.” The Infernal Revenue Service didn’t get a cut of the cash.
“As alleged, David and Andy Duong used bribes to further the profitability of their business interests.” Plus, they bought a mayor. Also, agent Nguyen adds, “to obtain undo influence over the appointment of high-level Oakland city officials.”
There’s big bucks in garbage. David Duong “was the president and CEO of a recycling company that provided residential recycling collection services to Oakland homes.”
His brother and co-owner Andy had a company to “manufacture prefabricated modular homes for unhoused people.” The mayor had authority to buy them. They’re all looking at “up to 35 years in prison.” Andy could get an extra five years for lying to the feds.
