#sheng-thao

#sheng-thao

It's been almost 10 months since former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, her partner Andre Jones, David Duong and his son, Andy, from California Waste Solutions, were indicted in a federal bribery and corruption case. From the start, their lawyers attacked the government's key witness. Sheng Thao's attorney, Jeff Tsai said, "The case is built on allegations from an unknown co-conspirator that we believe when the evidence is revealed will show my client has committed no crimes."

It's a fair question - the details grew only more complicated after a new court filing by one of Thao's three co-defendants. Nearly 10 months after Thao, her romantic partner Andre Jones, and father-and-son businessmen David and Andy Duong pleaded not guilty to bribery and conspiracy charges, there is still no trial date. The case has moved slowly since indictments were filed in January, with court hearings since then mainly limited to discussions about gathering evidence.

Federal investigations have expanded from Oakland to include San Leandro and Contra Costa County, highlighting a widespread concern regarding political corruption in the East Bay.