Federal officials have indicted former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao for allegedly participating in a bribery scheme involving cash payments and campaign mailers exchanged for city contracts.
The federal charges, resulting from an investigation into improper election practices, were brought just two months after Thao was recalled amid growing public discontent with local governance.
The indictment alleges that Thao promised to steer city contracts to a local recycling company in exchange for campaign support and payments for a no-show job for her boyfriend.
Thao's plea of not guilty and her desire to defend herself in court signify her intention to contest the charges and the surrounding narrative of corruption.
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