Feds Say San Leandro Councilmember Could Testify Against Former Oakland Mayor

Prosecutors may call a San Leandro official as a witness in the upcoming trial against ex-Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and alleged bribery co-conspirators.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Federal prosecutors have indicated they may call a San Leandro city councilmember as a witness in the upcoming bribery and fraud trial against former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and the men accused of bribing her. The revelation came as hints emerged that one of the alleged co-conspirators may be close to reaching a resolution of his case.

Why it matters

This case represents a high-profile corruption scandal involving a former mayor of Oakland, a major California city, and could shed light on the extent of alleged bribery and fraud within local government.

The details

Prosecutors said they may call the San Leandro councilmember as a witness, though details about the councilmember's potential testimony were not provided. The trial is set to begin against Thao and the alleged co-conspirators who are accused of bribing the former mayor.

  • The trial against former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and the alleged co-conspirators is upcoming.
  • Hints emerged that one of the alleged co-conspirators may be close to reaching a resolution of his case.

The players

Sheng Thao

The former mayor of Oakland who is accused of bribery and fraud.

Abraham Fine

The Assistant U.S. Attorney prosecuting the case.

San Leandro Councilmember

A local official who federal prosecutors may call as a witness in the trial.

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What they’re saying

“Federal prosecutors have signaled they may call a San Leandro city councilman as a witness in the upcoming bribery and fraud trial against former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and the men accused of bribing her.”

— Abraham Fine, Assistant U.S. Attorney (The Mercury News)

What’s next

The trial against former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and the alleged co-conspirators is upcoming, and prosecutors may call a San Leandro councilmember as a witness.

The takeaway

This high-profile corruption case involving a former Oakland mayor highlights the importance of government transparency and accountability, as well as the need for robust anti-bribery and fraud measures at the local level.