Federal Judge Rejects Motion By Sheng Thao and Co-Defendants to Toss Evidence In Corruption Case

"Defendants present no credible evidence that the government intended to deceive or acted with reckless disregard. This ruling paves the way further toward a potential trial or plea deal."

"Attorneys for the defendants have alleged that federal prosecutors have built a case around the 'self-serving spin' of a man with a shockingly long history of criminal charges and civil disputes."

"Juarez was implicated as a 'straw donor' who may have funneled money from the Duongs into Thao's 2022 mayoral campaign."

The judge in the federal corruption trial involving former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and three co-defendants has denied a motion to dismiss evidence claimed to be improperly obtained. The defendants argued that investigators presented dishonest information. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that there was no credible evidence of government deception. This ruling advances the case towards a potential trial or plea deal. Central to the case is witness Mario Juarez, alleged to have funneled money into Thao's campaign, who has a history of criminal charges.

Read at sfist.com