A federal indictment has been unsealed in Oakland, charging property developers David Sanson and his son Trent Sanson with conspiracy and bribery involving an Antioch City Councilmember. They are accused of offering the Councilmember $10,000 and later providing $5,000 concealed in a travel mug, in exchange for favorable treatment on one of their projects.
As per the indictment, filed on April 3, 2025, David Sanson, based in Philipsburg, Montana, owns a home building and development firm in Concord, California, while Trent Sanson serves as Vice President. Their company is notable for several projects in Antioch, including the Aviano project, a proposed 533-unit residential development.
The Antioch Engineering and Development Services Division determined that the developers had not fulfilled necessary infrastructure improvements, leading to a halt in bond release for the Aviano project. On May 29, 2024, Trent Sanson reportedly contacted a City Councilmember about problems with the Engineering department, particularly regarding the Aviano project.
The indictment details a meeting on June 12, 2024, with Trent Sanson discussing an agenda item favorable to their project and a proposed $10,000 payment. A second meeting on June 20 allegedly involved David Sanson transferring $5,000 to the Councilmember.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins stated, “This indictment alleges that the defendants tried to bribe an Antioch City Councilmember to take favorable action on their real estate project and to evade having to make the public infrastructure improvements that the City required.” Special Agent Sanjay Virmani added, “The allegations in this case reflect a clear attempt to manipulate the system for personal gain.”
A status conference is set for June 12, 2025, before Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers. The charges include conspiracy and bribery violations under federal law. Both defendants face potential prison sentences if proven guilty, with each charge carrying a maximum of 10 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas R. Green and Benjamin K. Kleinman are leading the prosecution, resulting from an FBI investigation.