Trial opens in bribery case against former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao

Opening statements began on Wednesday in Oakland, California, in the criminal trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and three co-defendants. Courthouse News Service and the East Bay Insiders Newsletter both reported that 18 jurors heard the initial arguments from prosecutors and defense attorneys. Prosecutors alleged that Ms Thao engaged in a scheme involving bribery and public corruption during her tenure. [1][2][3]

Courthouse News Service reported that prosecutors accused Ms Thao, aged 41, of accepting bribes from local businessmen in exchange for promises of lucrative city contracts. Ms Thao was indicted along with her partner, Andre Jones, aged 55, as well as Oakland businessman David Duong, aged 68, and his son Andy Duong, aged 37. The defendants face eight counts between them, including conspiracy, bribery, fraud, and making false statements to government officials. [1]

Defense attorneys pushed back against the charges during their opening statements. According to Courthouse News Service and the East Bay Insiders Newsletter, the defense sought to discredit a key prosecution witness, characterizing the individual as a hustler and a vengeful political fixer. Prosecutors countered that the defendants engaged in politics for profit. [1][2][3]