Former Chief of Staff Testifies on Thao's Vietnam Trip and Jones's City Hall Access

Key points

• Hanson testified that Andre Jones, Thao's romantic partner, attended sensitive meetings without an official role, including a Zoom interview for a housing policy position and a legal discussion regarding Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong's leave.
• Hanson stated Jones threatened her job security after she objected to his presence in the Armstrong meeting, saying, 'We'll see which one of us is left at the end of the day.'
• Hanson expressed concerns about the 2023 Vietnam trade delegation, warning Thao that the mayor's absence in her first year could be damaging. Thao proceeded with the trip despite these concerns.
• Hanson recalled Thao's anger after a journalist inquired about potential sex trafficking allegations involving Andy Duong during the Vietnam trip, with Thao stating she hated Duong and feared his actions would ruin her career.
• Hanson testified that Thao did not direct her to pursue a contract with Evolutionary Homes, a company linked to the Duong family, and that Oakland lacked funds for temporary housing units at the time.
• Hanson discussed the appointment of Larry Gallegos to a housing department role, noting Thao initially agreed to a promotion within the Economic and Workforce Development Department but later insisted on the housing role.

Background

Sheng Thao, former Oakland mayor, is on trial for federal bribery charges alongside Andre Jones and David and Andy Duong. The case alleges a pay-to-play scheme involving the Duong family's companies, including Evolutionary Homes and California Waste Solutions. Thao was recalled in November 2024, and federal agents raided her home and the homes of the other defendants in July 2024. Hanson, who served as chief of staff under Thao and subsequent interim mayors, was fired by interim mayor Kevin Jenkins and has sued the city for wrongful termination. The trial is examining allegations that Thao and Jones conspired with the Duongs to secure contracts and appointments in exchange for political favors.

How outlets are covering it

The Oaklandside and SFist both report on Hanson's testimony, highlighting her concerns about Jones's involvement in city business and the Vietnam trip. The Oaklandside emphasizes Hanson's initial praise for Thao's leadership style and her subsequent frustrations with Jones's behavior. SFist focuses on the 'odd behavior' of Thao and the implications of the Vietnam trip, including potential sex trafficking allegations. Both outlets note Hanson's testimony regarding the Gallegos appointment and Evolutionary Homes, but The Oaklandside provides more detail on Hanson's interactions with other advisors, while SFist highlights the defense's argument that Jones's job at Evolutionary Homes was legitimate. The sources agree on the core facts of Hanson's testimony but differ in emphasis, with The Oaklandside focusing on internal dynamics and SFist on the broader corruption narrative.

Why it matters

Hanson's testimony provides insight into the internal dynamics of Thao's administration and the alleged corruption scheme. Her account of Jones's unauthorized access to sensitive meetings and the Vietnam trip's fallout underscores the tensions within Thao's leadership. The testimony also highlights the defense's strategy to portray Thao as a victim of the Duong family's influence and to challenge the prosecution's narrative of a pay-to-play scheme. The trial's outcome could have significant implications for local governance and the integrity of public procurement processes in Oakland.

What to watch

Hanson is scheduled to return to the stand on Monday to complete cross-examination. The trial will continue with further testimony from other witnesses, including potential testimony from Mario Juarez, the government's key informant. The defense is expected to present evidence that Jones's job at Evolutionary Homes was legitimate and that Thao and Jones had a strained relationship during the period in question. The trial is expected to conclude in the coming weeks, with a verdict pending.