"Prosecutors claim Thao and Jones were bribed by the Duongs, who were seeking a multi-million dollar deal with Oakland to build shipping container housing units for the homeless. They also allegedly wanted their lucrative recycling contract extended. In exchange, Jones allegedly landed a cushy "no-show job," and the Duongs allegedly paid for attack mailers against Thao's opponents in the 2022 mayor's race."
"Remember everything Oakland went through: the FBI dropping indictments on our recalled mayor, a legendary coach gunned down at Laney, peaceful protestors pepper-sprayed on Coast Guard Island, and somehow, improbably, the Oakland Ballers winning a championship in their second season. It was the kind of year that makes you want to laugh and cry at the same time, maybe nursing a pint of Loard's butter brickle while weeping on Scrappy's shoulder?"
Federal prosecutors unsealed corruption charges against former Mayor Sheng Thao, her partner Andre Jones, and David and Andy Duong tied to alleged bribery, contract extensions, and attack mailers. All four defendants pleaded not guilty and a trial is set for October 2026. A handwritten note from a March 2024 anti-recall strategy meeting implicated Leigh Hanson amid continued Thao intrigue. Oakland experienced violent incidents including a legendary coach gunned down at Laney and peaceful protestors pepper-sprayed on Coast Guard Island. The Oakland Ballers won a championship in their second season, and the Oakland Unified School District underwent a superintendent change.
Read at The Oaklandside
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