Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, known for her DEI focus, has been indicted by a grand jury on corruption charges, including bribery, racketeering, and perjury. In 2024, Thao became Oakland’s first mayor to be recalled amid rising crime, murder, and homelessness.

This is one of several indictments. The charges allege Thao awarded city contracts and appointments to local businessmen David and Andy Duong. In exchange, the Duongs funded $75,000 in attack ads against Thao’s election opponents and paid $95,000 to Andre Jones, Thao’s alleged romantic partner, for a no-show job, with promises of further payments to benefit Thao and Jones personally.