"I would not stop prepping for trial if I were you, U.S. District Court of Northern California Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers told one of the defense attorneys Thursday at a court hearing. The hearing marked an early legal skirmish in the criminal case that extinguished Thao's political career and placed newfound scrutiny on extensive political connections held by father-and-son businessmen David and Andy Duong."
"Together, the four co-defendants have pushed for months to be granted what is known as a Franks hearing, in which the court would determine if FBI Special Agent Duncan Haunold made false statements or reckless omissions in obtaining search warrants. The agents seized computers, cell phones and other documents during the raids, which preceded Thao's removal as Oakland's mayor in a recall election and led to her subsequent indictment."
"Prosecutors have accused Thao and her romantic partner Andre Jones of accepting political bribes from the Duongs, who own the city's recycling contract and had sought to win taxpayer dollars for a local housing venture. The defendants face 20 years in federal prison on the most serious individual counts of mail and wire fraud."
Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and three co-defendants—Andre Jones, David Duong, and Andy Duong—face federal charges of bribery and conspiracy. The defendants sought a Franks hearing to challenge search warrants used by FBI agents in raids on their homes and businesses in June 2024. During a Thursday court hearing, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers signaled she is unlikely to grant this hearing, advising defense attorneys to prepare for trial. The case alleges Thao and Jones accepted bribes from the Duongs, who own Oakland's recycling contract and sought taxpayer funding for a housing venture. The defendants face up to 20 years in prison on the most serious charges. Trial is expected in fall 2025.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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