An FBI agent is expected to return to the stand Friday in the corruption trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao.
The defense is expected to begin its cross-examination of FBI Special Agent Kathrine Barclay in federal court in Oakland.
For the past two days, Barclay has laid out what prosecutors say is evidence connecting Thao to a bribery and wire fraud scheme with her co-defendants: Thao’s longtime partner Andre Jones and businessmen David and Andy Duong, who own California Waste Solutions, Oakland’s recycling contractor.
Barclay testified that texts between businessman Mario Juarez and Andy Duong included drafts of negative mailers targeting Loren Taylor, who ran against Thao in the race for mayor.
Juarez allegedly confirmed he bought the website TaylorFraud.com.
Barclay also pointed to a financial trail showing the Duongs’ California Waste Solutions paid Juarez $75,000, the amount linked to the mailer campaign.
Text messages also appear to outline what prosecutors say was the broader deal: cash and help getting Thao elected in exchange for 300 modular housing units, a 10-year city contract extension for California Waste Solutions and influence over city department appointments.
