Former Oakland, California, Mayor Sheng Thao, who was recalled by voters in November, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on corruption charges. The Justice Department charged Thao, her boyfriend Andre Jones, David Trung Duong, the head of a local waste company, and Duong's son, Andy Hung Duong.
In October 2022, Thao allegedly agreed to extend a city recycling services contract with California Waste Solutions, purchase housing units from the Duongs, and use her influence to help them. U.S. Attorney Patrick Robbins stated that Thao made promises to purchase housing units, extend a recycling services contract, and influence the appointment of a high-level city official to benefit the Duongs' business interests.
The Duongs reportedly made payments to Thao and Jones, including funding a negative mailer campaign targeting Thao's political rivals. Federal prosecutors revealed that the Duongs disguised $300,000 in payments to Thao and Jones as wages for a no-show job for Jones, using a legitimate job cover-up to conceal the bribery.
After her election, Thao fulfilled her promise to use her influence to appoint an Oakland city official selected by the Duongs to protect their business investments. Thao's attorney mentioned that the indictment contains allegations but lacks evidence to support the claims.
The charges followed an FBI raid on a home linked to Thao. Winston Chan, attorney for Andy Duong, denied the allegations against his client, stating that they lack merit and are based on gossip and supposition. Chan expressed disappointment that Asian Americans like Andy are unfairly targeted for their political involvement and expressed confidence in clearing his client's name in court.
