Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao Indicted on Federal Charges Linked to Bribery Case
OAKLAND, Calif. – Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao faces federal charges following a grand jury indictment in connection to an FBI bribery investigation. The Department of Justice announced the indictment, six months after authorities raided Thao’s home and two months post her removal from office.
Thao’s partner, Andre Jones, along with David Duong and his son, Andy Duong, were also named in the indictment.
U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins stated that the defendants engaged in bribery, mail fraud, wire fraud, and other illegal activities to manipulate and corruptly influence local government operations.
The indictment alleges that the defendants orchestrated agreements, knowing that bribes would be given and accepted by Thao and Jones in exchange for granting the Duongs illegal influence over city governance.
The San Francisco Chronicle was the first to report on the latest development.
Following the indictment, Thao, Jones, and the Duongs appeared before a judge at the United States Courthouse in Oakland. Thao’s attorney, Jeff Tsai, spoke to the press on her behalf, declaring her innocence and criticizing the timing and politicization of the case.
Thao was released on an unsecured bond with travel restrictions and surrender of her passport.
Allegations state that the illegal dealings began in October 2022, pre-Oakland mayoral election, where Thao supposedly promised favors benefiting the Duong family if elected.
In exchange for fulfilling these commitments, the Duongs supposedly made payments to Thao and Jones through various means, including funding a negative mailer campaign and phantom job wages.
Thao’s home was raided by the FBI in June, leading to further investigations at other locations tied to the Duong family.
The Duong family is active in politics and fundraising, and fruit industry figures in the state and local spheres. David and Andy Duong are the only family members facing charges.
Andre Jones, Thao’s romantic partner, also faced scrutiny post-FBI raids, with requests for documents related to his involvement with the former mayor and the 2022 mayoral election.
Thao has consistently professed her innocence and denounced the charges against her.
Thao was recalled by voters in the November election, marking the end of her tenure as mayor. Nikki Fortunado Bas and Kevin Jenkins stepped in to fill leadership roles in the interim.
The next mayoral election is scheduled for April.