An indictment was unsealed today charging former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, her partner Andre Jones, and businessmen David Trung Duong and Andy Hung Duong with bribery offenses. Additionally, Andy Duong faces charges for making false statements to government agents.
The indictment, filed on January 9, 2025, alleges that in the lead-up to the November 2022 mayoral election and after Thao's election as mayor, she promised to take actions benefiting David and Andy Duong in exchange for various benefits. David Duong is identified as the president of a recycling company providing services to Oakland and chairman of a housing company developing prefabricated homes. His son Andy is also involved in these businesses.
Thao allegedly committed the city to purchasing units from the Duongs' housing company, extending their recycling contract, and appointing officials selected by them. In return, the Duongs funded a $75,000 negative campaign against Thao's opponents and paid Jones $95,000 for a no-show job.
After assuming office in January 2023, Thao reportedly furthered this relationship by using her influence to appoint a high-level city official chosen by the Duongs and requesting meetings with their housing company.
Financial records suggest Thao benefited from payments made to Jones. Before receiving payments related to the scheme, Thao shared rent costs with Jones; however, starting January 2023, Jones began covering all rent and increased his contributions toward household bills.
The defendants are accused of concealing their scheme through various methods including directing bribe payments away from Thao's name and misrepresenting Jones's employment status with false invoices.
First Assistant United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins emphasized that "the public deserves honesty and transparency from City Hall," adding that breaches of trust undermine public confidence. FBI Acting Special Agent Dan Costin stated that these actions reflect "our resolute determination" to maintain government integrity.
San Francisco Division Inspector Stephen M. Sherwood highlighted collaboration among agencies in investigating fraud against government entities. IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent Linda Nguyen noted such schemes "typically leave a money trail," which IRS-CI follows diligently.
The indictment includes multiple counts against each defendant related to conspiracy and bribery involving federal funds. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison for several charges and lesser sentences for others.
Their initial court appearance is set for January 17, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kandis A. Westmore in Oakland.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly K. Priedeman, Abraham Fine, and Lloyd Farnham are leading the prosecution with assistance from Amala James and Madeline Wachs following an investigation by the FBI, USPIS, and IRS-CI.