An FBI agent who investigated former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao for alleged corruption was back on the stand Tuesday in Oakland federal court.
FBI Special Agent Katherine Barclay faced a fifth day of testimony as defense attorneys challenged not only her words but also the foundation of the prosecution’s case.
Prosecutors allege Thao, her longtime partner Andre Jones, and David and Andy Duong were part of a bribery and corruption scheme to help Thao get elected and siphon money to Jones in exchange for favors to the Duong family, which owns California Waste Solutions, Oakland’s recycling contractor. All four face bribery, fraud and conspiracy charges.
Jones’ attorney tried to show the jury Tuesday that Jones was not involved in a corruption and bribery scheme to get Thao elected mayor.
During cross-examination, Barclay testified that Jones didn’t respond to a number of texts from businessman Mario Juarez asking for Jones’ thoughts on a negative campaign mailer against Loren Taylor, who ran against Thao.
Juarez has pleaded guilty for his role in the alleged scheme, which included producing the mailers in return for favors from Thao when elected mayor.
When Jones finally responded to the text, he said that if he helped with the mailer, it would be “coordinating” and that Juarez should run it by someone else.
Barclay also testified there are no recorded phone calls with Juarez, which the defense argues is proof Jones didn’t conspire with Juarez.
The defense teams have all argued the so-called deal points listed in text and digital notes between Juarez and Andy Duong never happened. They also claim there’s no proof Thao or Jones knew about any pay-for-play deal.
Juarez is expected to testify later on behalf of the prosecution in exchange for a lighter sentence.
Before that, Cecilia Mendez, a former California Waste Solutions employee, is expected to testify about secret recordings she made of company meetings. Prosecutors said they plan to play about 40 minutes of audio recordings involving the defendants during Mendez’s testimony.
