"Bryan Azevedo resigned from his seat on San Leandro's City Council on Monday, and on Wednesday he made a brief appearance in federal court where he pleaded guilty to accepting a bribe and lying about it to federal agents. During the hearing, prosecutors indicated that Azevedo is cooperating with them on their ongoing investigation into allegations that two Oakland businessmen bribed East Bay public officials, including former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao."
"As part of his plea agreement, Azevedo admitted that he took steps to help an unnamed housing company win a contract with the city of San Leandro in exchange for a $2,000 bribe and a portion of future housing sales. Azevedo admitted that he accepted the bribe through a limited liability company and bank account he set up in his wife's name."
"The housing company is not named in court records but appears to be Evolutionary Homes, a startup founded by David and Andy Duong, the owners of California Waste Solutions. Fruitvale businessman Mario Juarez partnered with the Duongs in the company, which hoped to win millions in contracts selling modular homes as homeless shelters. Azevedo, whose home was raided by the FBI one year ago, initially pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in November."
Bryan Azevedo resigned from the San Leandro City Council and pleaded guilty to accepting a bribe and lying to federal agents. Prosecutors say he is cooperating in an investigation of alleged bribery by two Oakland businessmen involving East Bay officials, including former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. He faces up to 25 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. Azevedo admitted arranging a city contract for an unnamed housing company in exchange for a $2,000 bribe and a share of future housing sales, accepted through an LLC and bank account in his wife's name. The company appears to be Evolutionary Homes.
Read at The Oaklandside
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