Star Witness Links Oakland Mayor to Bribery Scheme for City Contracts
Mario Juarez testified about bribes exchanged for Oakland city contracts.
Why it matters: This testimony pushes forward a major corruption case affecting municipal governance and public integrity law. Legal professionals should watch for its impact on anti-corruption enforcement in local government.
- Mario Juarez testified that he and the Duong brothers conspired to bribe former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and her partner.
- The Duongs paid $75,000 for a negative mailer campaign in the 2022 mayoral election supporting Thao.
- Thao allegedly promised to buy housing units from the Duongs and extend their recycling contract in exchange for payments.
- Juarez was assaulted in May 2024 after a dispute involving the Duong brothers, highlighting tensions in the scheme.
Mario Juarez, the prosecution's star witness, provided detailed testimony in the bribery trial against former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, outlining a conspiracy involving David and Andy Duong to secure city contracts through payoffs and political support. Juarez described how the Duongs funded a $75,000 negative mailer campaign targeting Thao's political opponents during the 2022 mayoral race to benefit her candidacy. He recalled telling the court, "We didn’t invest money, talent, (negative political) ‘hits,’ took the time out of our day because we liked Sheng Thao." More details here.
In exchange for these efforts, Thao allegedly committed the City of Oakland to buy housing units from the Duongs' company, Evolutionary Homes, with potential contracts valued at around $3 million, and to extend a city contract with their recycling company. Juarez also testified about payments totaling $95,000 made to Thao's partner, Andre Jones, for a no-show job.
The testimony included an account of a May 3, 2024 assault against Juarez outside 1211 Embarcadero by Andy Duong and associates, linked to escalating tensions in the bribery scheme. Juarez said, "I have a long memory and am pretty vengeful," underscoring the personal stakes involved.
All four defendants—former Mayor Sheng Thao, Andre Jones, and David and Andy Duong—have pleaded not guilty to the bribery charges. Thao faces up to 95 years in prison if convicted on all counts. The trial's outcome may have significant implications for municipal governance and reinforce legal standards on public integrity.
For comprehensive coverage, see the main testimony report and the official DOJ charges statement.
By the numbers:
- $75,000 — spent on negative campaign mailers against Thao’s opponents
- $95,000 — payments made to Andre Jones for no-show job
- Up to 95 years — potential prison sentence for Sheng Thao if convicted