Attempted shooting targets witness in former Oakland mayor’s corruption case

• Authorities accused former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, along with associates, of leading a bribery scheme. Federal investigators claim Thao used her mayoral position to fund her personal lifestyle.
• Police arrested two men for allegedly attempting to shoot a potential witness to Thao’s crimes; no charges have been filed.
• Voters recalled Thao as mayor amid the ongoing investigation.

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The corruption case against former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao has taken a turn after California authorities arrested two men for allegedly attempting to kill a possible witness to her alleged crimes. However, the Alameda County District Attorney’s office has not filed any charges regarding the incident.

Shooting incident raises questions

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the shooting occurred in June as federal authorities were preparing to search the homes of Thao and her alleged co-conspirators.

Mario Juarez was the alleged target, according to police. Authorities said the two suspected shooters shot at Juarez as the FBI closed in on the investigation.

Oakland police arrested the suspects. Police later released the two, and no charges were filed against them.

Local and federal officials have not confirmed whether the shooting is connected to the ongoing federal investigation into Thao. However, Juarez claims the attack occurred because he knows too much about the case. She also said she is aware of key details regarding Thao’s indictment.

Bribery allegations: ‘pay-to-play’ scheme

Court documents allege Thao was involved in a bribery scheme with David and Andy Duong. The alleged scheme resulted in $95,000 in payments from the Duong brothers. In exchange, Thao allegedly agreed to extend their recycling contract with the city and purchase housing from one of their other businesses.

Federal investigators revealed as soon as Tao became mayor in 2023, she allegedly used her position of power to fund her personal lifestyle.

Change in political landscape

In November, following the growing corruption investigation, the city of Oakland officially recalled Thao as mayor. Currently, Mayor Kevin Jenkins is serving as the interim mayor. Residents will vote on a permanent replacement on April 15.

Thao, along with Jones and the Duong brothers, pleaded not guilty to the bribery-related charges.