Sheng Thao, the recalled former Mayor of Oakland, made her first court appearance in a federal corruption case along with three alleged co-conspirators. During a procedural hearing, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers reminded attendees that Thao is no longer mayor. The prosecution has provided extensive discovery materials, including 140 gigabytes of files, and has indicated it will take months to complete evidence turnover. Thao and her associates are accused of engaging in a bribery scheme involving payments and promises related to city business, although no wire-tap evidence has been presented thus far.
Judge Gonzalez Rogers seemed a bit dismissive of Thao, who was recalled as mayor in November. Thao's attorney, Jeff Tsai, introduced her as the mayor of Oakland, and the judge quickly replied, "Former mayor. You said mayor. She's not."
Prosecutors revealed Thursday that they have no wire-tap evidence in this case, as KRON4 reports. The government has said they have evidence of a bribery and campaign money laundering scheme between the parties.
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