Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao indicted on federal bribery and fraud charges in alleged pay-to-play scheme; trial set for October 2026

Sheng Thao, recalled as Oakland mayor effective December 17, 2024, was indicted in January 2025 along with her partner Andre Jones and California Waste Solutions owners David and Andy Duong on federal conspiracy, bribery, and honest-services fraud charges. Prosecutors allege Thao agreed the city would purchase housing units from a Duong company and renew the city's recycling contract with David Duong's firm, in exchange for a $75,000 mailer attacking her political opponents and a $300,000 no-show job for her partner.