Former Oakland Mayor Thao Indicted for Corruption

Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao has been indicted by a federal grand jury following an FBI investigation into alleged corruption involving campaign finance violations. The investigation, which included raids on Thao's home and properties linked to Oakland's waste management contractor, the Duong family, reportedly centers on a 'straw donor' scheme where illegal campaign contributions were laundered. Thao, recalled by voters last November, has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintains she is not the target of the investigation. The charges are expected to be formally announced during a Department of Justice press conference. Thao's indictment is part of a broader inquiry that has implicated other local politicians and has sent ripples through the East Bay political scene. Despite the indictment, Thao has proclaimed her innocence, attributing the investigation to political retaliation.