Former San Leandro City Councilmember Pleads Guilty in Federal Bribery Case

Bryan Azevedo admitted to accepting bribes in exchange for using his position to advocate for a housing company.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Former San Leandro City Councilmember Bryan Azevedo pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and making false statements to federal agents. Azevedo admitted to accepting bribes in exchange for using his position to advocate on behalf of a housing company tied to an FBI investigation of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about public corruption and the abuse of elected office for personal gain. It also raises questions about the integrity of local government decision-making processes and the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures.

The details

Prosecutors allege that Azevedo agreed to secure a contract for a housing company in exchange for his own financial gain. They say he opened an LLC in his wife's name and established a bank account for receiving bribery payments. When questioned by federal agents, Azevedo lied about the scheme.

  • In the summer of 2023, Azevedo participated in a trip to Vietnam sponsored by a business association, which allegedly paid for his expenses.
  • In or around September 2023, Azevedo created an LLC in his wife's name and arranged for a bank account to be opened for the purpose of receiving bribes and kickback payments.
  • At a November 2023 dinner in Alameda, one of the individuals allegedly gave Azevedo $2,000 in cash, which he deposited into the recently opened bank account.
  • Azevedo allegedly advocated for an emergency homelessness ordinance that would have benefitted the housing company, and later voted in favor of it.
  • Azevedo pleaded guilty to the charges on February 11, 2026.

The players

Bryan Azevedo

A former San Leandro City Councilmember who pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and making false statements to federal agents.

Sheng Thao

The former Oakland Mayor who was charged in a January 2025 indictment alleging a bribery scheme, along with three others.

Andre Jones

Sheng Thao's partner, who was also indicted in the January 2025 case.

David Duong

A businessman whose family owns Oakland's recycling contractor, California Waste Solutions, and who was indicted in the January 2025 case.

Andy Duong

The son of David Duong, who was also indicted in the January 2025 case.

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What they’re saying

“I understand you're cooperating with the government.”

— Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, U.S. District Court Judge

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Azevedo's sentencing at a later date.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing problem of public corruption and the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures to ensure the integrity of local government decision-making processes.