Corruption Probe Indicts Ex-Oakland Mayor, Boyfriend, and Waste Company Execs
Federal officials dropped a bombshell on Friday, announcing the indictment of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, her boyfriend, and the father-son team behind the city’s recycling services company. The charges, which include bribery and conspiracy, allege a web of corruption involving cash payments and shady dealings for city contracts.
The stunning federal charges come on the heels of Thao’s recall from office just two months ago, as voters expressed frustration with the city’s handling of crime, homelessness, and a general sense of government indifference. This marks a stark contrast to Thao’s rise to power in January 2023, where she was hailed as a symbol of hope – a former homeless individual who made history as the first Hmong American to lead a major U.S. city.
The indictment, handed down by a grand jury at the U.S. District Court in Oakland and unsealed on Friday, names Thao, her boyfriend Andre Jones, and the Duong family – David and Andy, as the key players in the alleged corruption scheme. Thao is accused of promising city contracts to the Duong family’s recycling company, Cal Waste Solutions, in exchange for campaign support and payments to her boyfriend for a ghost job. Jones reportedly pocketed $95,000 in the process.
Thao and Jones Plead Not Guilty
During her arraignment on Friday, Thao entered a plea of not guilty, according to local news reports. Her attorney, Jeff Tsai, vehemently defended her innocence, stating that the indictment lacks concrete evidence linking Thao to the alleged scheme. Jones also pleaded not guilty, echoing Thao’s stance on the matter.
Duong Family Denies Wrongdoing
In a statement released on Friday, Andy Duong’s legal team refuted the charges against their client as baseless and fueled by unfounded rumors. They painted a picture of Andy as a victim of discrimination, suggesting that the charges were an attempt to target Asian Americans involved in politics. David Duong also denied any involvement in illegal activities, suggesting that the accusations were a result of a smear campaign.
Political Fallout and Public Outcry
The charges have sent shockwaves through Oakland’s political landscape, with prominent figures like former U.S. Rep Barbara Lee denouncing the alleged pay-to-play scheme as a betrayal of public trust. The city, already grappling with a host of issues, now faces a credibility crisis as the investigation unfolds.
Rumors of corruption have been swirling around Thao for months, culminating in a dramatic FBI raid on her home last June. Despite her earlier protestations of innocence, the recent indictment paints a damning picture of backroom deals and illicit activities involving key players in Oakland’s political scene.
As the legal battle unfolds, the city is left reeling from the fallout of a scandal that threatens to erode public confidence in its leadership. The road ahead is fraught with uncertainty, as Oakland grapples with the aftermath of a corruption probe that has laid bare the darker side of its political landscape.