Democratic mayor faces tough charges of corruption, bribery, and money laundering

Sheng Thao, the former mayor of Oakland, California, who was ousted by voters in November 2023, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on corruption charges.

In addition to Thao, her boyfriend, Andre Jones; the director of a local waste company, David Trung Duong; and Duong's son, Andy Hung Duong, have also been charged. The charges focus on a bribery and fraud scheme related to municipal contracts and other business deals in Oakland.

According to federal authorities, in October 2022, Thao agreed to extend a recycling services contract with California Waste Solutions, a company linked to the Duongs, and purchase housing units from them.

Additionally, it was alleged that Thao used her influence to help the Duongs secure a key designation in the city's government that would benefit their business interests.

The prosecution detailed that Thao also promised to appoint a city official selected by the Duongs to protect their business investments.

Regarding the illegal payments, the Duongs allegedly paid Thao and Jones, including funding a negative election campaign for USD 75,000 to attack Thao's political rivals.

Additionally, it is alleged that the Duongs paid USD 300,000 to Thao and Jones under the pretense of a fictitious job for Jones at the Duongs' housing company, thus concealing the bribes.

According to court documents, these payments were disguised as salaries to give the appearance of legitimate work, while in reality, they were bribes.

After her election as mayor, Thao allegedly fulfilled her promise by using her influence to appoint a city official, a person designated by the Duongs, to protect their business investments, according to prosecutors. The charges against Thao include bribery, fraud, and conspiracy, and if convicted, she could face up to 100 years in prison.

Thao's lawyer, however, has denied the accusations, stating that while the indictment is full of allegations, it doesn't present sufficient evidence to support the charges.

In a statement to the media, Andy Duong's lawyer also defended his client, calling the accusations unfounded and a persecution against his involvement in politics. The lawyer suggested that the situation was part of a media campaign based on rumors and falsehoods.

The accusations come after the FBI raided a property linked to Thao, which increased attention on the case.

Despite the denials from those involved, federal authorities are proceeding with the case, accusing Thao, her partner, and the Duong businessmen of a corruption scheme that allegedly manipulated the local government to benefit the Duongs' business interests.

The situation is worsening in a context of rising crime in Oakland. In 2023, the city experienced its highest crime rate in 20 years, with an alarming 114% increase in car thefts, making Oakland the city with the worst crime rate in the Bay Area.

Meanwhile, San José reported lower crime levels. This increase in crime has caused frustration among Oakland residents and business owners, who have threatened a tax boycott due to the lack of effective action by the city's Democratic leadership.

In this climate of chaos, Thao's ousting and the rise in crime have led the community to question the policies in Oakland, and the population has begun to wonder if an alternative from the Republican Party could be a solution.

Business owners in the city have expressed their discontent, and local authorities continue to seek solutions to the crime crisis, which is attributed to the lack of stricter policies and the perception that criminals can act without consequences.

Thao's administration, which was criticized for its great inability to adequately address the crime situation, was ultimately rejected by voters, reflecting the growing public frustration with local leadership and the Democratic Party.