Former Oakland Democratic Mayor Sheng Thao was indicted last week on federal bribery and corruption charges after promising business contracts in exchange for campaign contributions.

Thao, who served as chief executive of the California city from the start of 2023 until a successful recall effort against her at the end of 2024, allegedly vowed to benefit David Duong and Andy Duong, a father and son who operate a recycling business and a manufacturer of prefabricated modular homes, according to a press release from the Justice Department.

The indictment alleges that Thao promised the city of Oakland would buy modular homes from the Duongs, extend a contract with their recycling company, and allow them to choose city appointees in exchange for funding $75,000 in negative mailers about a campaign opponent.

“When elected officials agree to a pay-to-play system to benefit themselves rather than work for the best interests of their constituents, that breaches the public trust,” First Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Robbins said in a statement about the bribery and corruption case.

They also made $95,000 in payments to Andre Jones, the longtime romantic partner of Thao, for a no-show position with the modular housing company, with the promise of more payments.

Thao and the defendants allegedly tried to conceal their financial ties once she assumed office, such as by making the payments to Jones rather than herself to avoid creating a paper trail. Jones nevertheless started paying rent for their shared residence after receiving the position.

Each party faces one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, one count of conspiracy to commit honest services mail and wire fraud, one count of honest services mail fraud, and two counts of honest services wire fraud. Andy Duong also faces one count of making false statements to government agents.

The indictment comes months after the Justice Department unveiled charges against New York City Democratic Mayor Eric Adams, who allegedly accepted campaign contributions and other benefits from foreign business entities, especially in Turkey, over the course of a decade.