Summary
The federal corruption trial for former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao has officially started with a fresh jury. This massive local political shake-up dives headfirst into serious allegations of political favors and shady campaign practices.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 6
Impact analysis
Taxpayers are on the hook for the court costs of a high-profile federal trial that could drag on for weeks.
Government watchdogs and political opponents get a front-row seat to a cleaner, more accountable local government if justice is served.
Oakland residents take a hit to their civic pride and community trust as their local government faces another ugly corruption scandal.
Mentions & discussions (6)
Former city administrator testifies Thao never told him to bypass bidding process on housing purchase
Former City Administrator Jestin Johnson testified Thursday that former Mayor Sheng Thao asked him to visit a modular-housing company at the center of her federal corruption trial but never instructed him to purchase its units or bypass the city’s co...
‘We had just committed a crime’: Mario Juarez describes alleged deal with Thao
‘We had just committed a crime’: Mario Juarez describes alleged deal with Thao Mario Juarez, on the right, exits the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse with his lawyer in Oakland on Oct. 30, 2026. Juarez is a key informant in the ...
Did Sheng Thao actually have the power to steer city deals in exchange for bribes?
Did Sheng Thao actually have the power to steer city deals in exchange for bribes? Sheng Thao arrives at the federal courthouse for the first day of the trial against her, Andre Jones, and David and Andy Duong. " data-large-file="https://oaklandside....
Secret recordings played for jury in Sheng Thao corruption trial
Secret recordings played for jury in Sheng Thao corruption trial Cecilia Mendez, far right, secretly recorded this Jan. 9, 2024, board meeting of Evolutionary Homes, along with several others. Credit: government exhibit " data-large-file="https://oak...
Oakland detective facing bribery charges accuses former DA of anti-Asian bias
Oakland detective facing bribery charges accuses former DA of anti-Asian bias Oakland Police Department headquarters. " data-large-file="https://oaklandside.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/OPD-office.webp" /> Phong Tran’s long-delayed trial took anoth...
Jury selected in former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao’s corruption case
A jury was selected Tuesday in the federal trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and three co-defendants, marking the opening day of a closely watched corruption case centered on allegations that Thao traded political favors for support during her...
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