The federal corruption trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao is approaching its key moment. KQED reported that Mario Juarez, the Oakland businessman and political operative at the center of the government’s case, was expected to testify on Friday, Oct. 30.

Thao, her longtime partner Andre Jones, recycling executive David Duong and his son Andy Duong face conspiracy, bribery and fraud charges. Prosecutors allege the Duongs supported Thao’s 2022 campaign in exchange for official help, including a city contract for Evolutionary Homes, the shipping-container housing startup that Juarez co-founded with the Duongs. Juarez has pleaded guilty and is cooperating in hopes of a lighter sentence.

The defense’s target

In opening statements, Andy Duong’s attorney Winston Chan called Juarez “the beating heart of the government’s case” and a “consummate hustler.” KQED reports that defense filings point to 33 lawsuits involving Juarez between 1992 and 2022. According to KQED, the Duongs said they had fronted $800,000 to the venture, and Andy Duong alleged that Juarez promised 50 container units and delivered two. On May 3, 2024, Juarez was locked out of the company’s office, and a confrontation followed. An FBI agent testified that Juarez first sat down with the bureau in June 2024. Prosecutor Abraham Fine has told jurors that Juarez is “no angel,” but says his account will match thousands of texts and recordings.

Thursday’s witnesses

Former assistant city administrator LaTonda Simmons testified that after she was fired in June 2025, she gave federal investigators a document laying out what she believed was a broader conspiracy among city officials. Under cross-examination by Jones’ attorney Shawn Halbert, she agreed that she believed in a “cabal.” Former City Administrator Jestin Johnson testified that Thao asked him to meet the Duongs in late 2023 and to tour Evolutionary Homes in January 2024.

The Oaklandside reports that defense lawyers repeatedly called the mayor a “cheerleader” rather than a decision-maker able to orchestrate pay-to-play deals. Johnson said he never sensed pressure from Thao to steer business. Simmons described Oakland’s emergency shelter ordinance, in place since 2017, which allows staff to fund shelters without council approval. City Attorney Ryan Richardson watched from the gallery.

Earlier coverage: opening statements and the secret recordings testimony.