- Public Corruption
- Nov 5, 2026
California Mayor CHARGED As FBI Informant TURNS & She Faces 95 Years In Prison
Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao goes on trial this month in federal court. Prosecutors say she agreed to use her power as mayor to help the Duong family, owners of Oakland's curbside recycling company, in exchange for a campaign mailer and payments to her partner, Andre Jones, through what they describe as a no-show job. She faces up to 95 years in prison if convicted on every count. She has pleaded not guilty.
The government's key witness, Mario Juarez, was once a business partner of the Duongs. He was known only as "co-conspirator one" in the indictment. In July 2026 he pleaded guilty and agreed to testify. The defense says he has a long history of fraud lawsuits and is cooperating to get a lighter sentence.
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Presumption of innocence
Who Sheng Thao and the Duong family are What the indictment says was promised, and what was paid New allegations filed before trial The defense's attack on the key witness, and the judge's rulings All four defendants have pleaded not guilty and are presumed innocent unless a jury finds otherwise.
Sources
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of California (indictment, Jan. 2025) · federal court filings, 2025–2026 · KQED · Oaklandside · ABC7 News Bay Area · NBC Bay Area · KPIX · KTVU.
