Testimony Links AG Bonta to Alleged Bribery Scheme in Oakland

A key witness in the federal corruption trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao testified that California Attorney General Rob Bonta visited the showroom of a housing company central to the alleged bribery scheme. The witness, Mario Juarez, a political operative in Oakland, co-founded Evolutionary Homes with two defendants in the case—David Duong and his son, Andy Duong—who face charges of bribery, conspiracy, and fraud alongside Thao and her partner, Andre Jones. Juarez has pleaded guilty to participating in the alleged scheme.

During cross-examination, Jones' attorney, Shawn Halbert, probed Juarez about his connections with Bonta and his wife, Mia Bonta, a Democratic Assemblywoman. Juarez confirmed that he had significant influence due to his relationship with the Bontas, recalling that Bonta visited Evolutionary Homes in 2023. Juarez stated, "I believe he did come, yeah," when asked about the visit.

Despite requests for comment from Bonta's office and reelection campaign, no responses were provided. Following contact from federal investigators in 2024, Bonta reportedly spent nearly $470,000 in campaign funds on legal services to navigate the investigation, claiming he was cooperating fully.

In an interview, Bonta stated, "We provided information. I met with and answered all the questions of the federal government and did everything I could to assist and help with their investigation of others." He emphasized that he did not feel he was a target of the investigation, asserting that he was seen as someone who might have relevant information.

Allegations of Corruption and Favoritism

Thao is accused of offering favorable treatment to the Duongs, who own California Waste Solutions, in exchange for negative campaign mailers against her opponents and $95,000 paid to Jones for a no-show job. Evolutionary Homes aimed to convert shipping containers into housing for the homeless, targeting local governments addressing homelessness.

The relationship between Juarez and the Duongs soured in May 2024, leading him to cooperate with the FBI. In June 2024, federal agents raided the homes of Thao, Jones, and the Duongs, as well as the offices of California Waste Solutions and Evolutionary Homes. Subsequently, Bonta returned $155,000 in donations from the Duong family, citing caution.

How The Scheme Worked

Juarez also warned Bonta that Andy Duong possessed a video of him in a compromising situation, which Bonta denied, stating, "The reference to any video is absolutely not true. It’s false, and there is no video." Juarez's testimony marks his fourth day on the stand, where he has been questioned about his connections to Bonta and the political landscape in Oakland.

As the trial progresses, Juarez's role as the government's star witness highlights the intricate web of relationships and alleged misconduct at play, raising pressing questions about accountability and transparency in local governance.