Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao indicted for corruption after FBI probe.

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The recent indictment of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. Thao, who was recalled from office in November, has been criminally indicted by a federal grand jury following an extensive FBI corruption investigation. This development marks a significant escalation in a case that has been unfolding for months, involving allegations of bribery, conspiracy, and fraud.

Thao’s indictment comes after a series of FBI raids last summer, which targeted her home and several other locations linked to the Duong family, owners of California Waste Solutions. The Duongs, who hold Oakland’s curbside recycling contract, have been at the center of the investigation, accused of engaging in a “pay-to-play” scheme with Thao. The indictment alleges that Thao promised to take actions as mayor that would benefit the Duong family, including extending their company’s recycling contract and appointing senior city officials they selected. In exchange, the Duongs allegedly promised to pay $75,000 for negative mailers targeting Thao’s opponents and to pay Thao’s partner, Andre Jones, $300,000 for a fabricated job at their housing company.

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The FBI’s investigation has revealed a complex web of corruption involving backroom deals, secret payments, and campaign contribution laundering. Thao has maintained her innocence, stating in a tearful press conference last June that she had done nothing wrong and that the investigation was not about her. However, the federal indictment suggests otherwise, with prosecutors alleging that Thao was directly involved in the corrupt activities.

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The implications of this indictment are profound. Thao, who was elected mayor in 2022, was seen as a rising star in Oakland politics. Her recall and subsequent indictment have left the city reeling, with many residents expressing frustration and disappointment. The case has also raised questions about the integrity of Oakland’s political system and the influence of money in local government.

Sources:

https://thepostmillennial.com/ousted-oakland-mayor-sheng-thao-indicted-by-federal-grand-jury-following-fbi-corruption-probe

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/recalled-oakland-mayor-sheng-thao-indicted-in-fbi-investigation/ar-AA1xoknR

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/former-oakland-mayor-sheng-thao-criminally-indicted-in-corruption-investigation/ar-AA1xo9Eg

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/recalled-oakland-mayor-sheng-thao-criminally-indicted-by-federal-grand-jury-report/ar-AA1xm9Jf

https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2025/01/17/oakland-corruption-probe-heres-who-the-feds-indicted/

https://www.msn.com/en-us/crime/general/oakland-fbi-investigation-ex-mayor-sheng-thao-indicted-amid-sprawling-public-corruption-inquiry/ar-AA1xkZJl

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/former-oakland-mayor-reportedly-indicted-following-fbi-corruption-probe/ar-AA1xl6sy


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