# Star Witness Testifies in Oakland Mayor Bribery Trial Mario Juarez details alleged corruption scheme involving city contracts and political influence. - **Source:** [Courthouse News](https://www.courthousenews.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/534f6a90-7b57-4582-9077-6dfee71b63f3 ## High-Stakes Corruption Trial The criminal trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and three co-defendants centers on allegations of a sophisticated bribery scheme. Prosecutors claim the defendants traded government contracts worth up to $3 million for campaign support and personal financial benefits. All four individuals have pleaded not guilty to the eight counts filed. ## Testimony of Mario Juarez Mario Juarez, a businessman and key prosecution witness, provided detailed testimony regarding text messages and emails. He alleged that the Duong family and Thao’s partner, Andre Jones, orchestrated a plan to bankroll political campaigns. Juarez admitted to his own involvement in the conspiracy while seeking a reduced sentence through cooperation. ## Evolutionary Homes Business Dealings The core of the dispute involves Evolutionary Homes, a company focused on container housing. Juarez testified that the firm was used as a vehicle to funnel money to political associates. Secretly recorded audio clips played in court captured heated arguments between Juarez and David Duong regarding the mayor's reluctance to sign contracts. ## Alleged Media Manipulation Tactics Juarez detailed efforts to suppress negative press regarding a trip to Vietnam involving the defendants. The group allegedly considered buying a news outlet or paying an associate $10,000 to kill a story. These actions were reportedly taken to protect the political reputation of the mayor and her associates from public scrutiny. ## Financial Ties and Payments Evidence presented to the jury included a $35,000 check from California Waste Solutions, a company owned by the Duongs. Juarez testified that this payment was disguised as salary for Andre Jones, who allegedly held no real role at the company. This transaction is central to the government's argument regarding bribery and influence. ## Violent Partnership Breakdown The partnership between Juarez and the Duongs collapsed in May 2024 due to financial disputes. Juarez testified that he was physically assaulted by associates of the Duongs, who allegedly stole his cash, watch, and phone. He subsequently filed a police report for aggravated assault, marking the end of their business collaboration. ## Judicial Scrutiny of Witness Chief U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers expressed frustration with Juarez’s demeanor on the stand. She warned the witness that his credibility is being monitored and reminded him that she is the sentencing judge. The court sessions have been marked by tense exchanges between the judge and the prosecution's star witness. ## Defense Challenges Credibility During cross-examination, defense attorney Edward Swanson questioned Juarez about his initial interactions with law enforcement. Juarez admitted to attempting to minimize his own involvement in the criminal activities during early police interviews. The defense is actively working to undermine his testimony as the trial continues at the Oakland courthouse. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.courthousenews.com/prosecutions-star-witness-in-bribery-trial-of-former-oakland-mayor-testifies-about-payouts-threats/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._