Key witness takes stand in corruption trial of ex-Oakland mayor

Government star witness began testifying today in the bribery conspiracy trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Tao. That witness is providing a behind-the-scenes look at what prosecutors say was an illegal pay-to-play scheme. Our crime reporter, Henry Lee, live in the newsroom with that testimony. Henry. Controversial political operative Mario Juarez is the man on the inside for the federal government, describing in detail what he says went down with Tao and the three others accused of crimes. But to the defense, he cannot be trusted. Key government witness Mario Juarez began testifying in the corruption trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Tao, laying bare the alleged quid pro quo bribery conspiracy in which he admitted to taking part. Juarez told the jury he cultivated relationships going back years with Tao, beginning when she was a council member, as well as with businessman David Duong and his son Andy Duong, who considered Tao his little sister, according to Juarez, who also testified of his his loyalty to the Duongs. The Duong family runs California Waste Solutions, Oakland's recycling contractor, and operated Evolutionary Homes, which offered shipping container units for the unhoused. Juarez testified he and the Duongs chose Tao as a candidate they knew would, quote, deliver for us, if elected as mayor, someone that we could trust to do the things for us. Juarez also told the jury he was paid $75,000, secretly funded by David Duong. To produce attack ads, including this one with a photoshopped photo of Lauren Taylor, whom Tao narrowly beat in the 2022 mayoral election. Juarez testified, in exchange for helping to get Tao elected as mayor, she promised to renew a 10-year contract with the Duongs' recycling business and to get the city to buy 100 units from Evolutionary Homes. But then, Juarez testified, Tao, quote, threw a curveball by asking for $300,000. funneled through her longtime partner, Andre Jones. The government says the Duongs agreed to a no-show job for Jones. As Juarez testified about this, Tao smiled from her table in court, apparently in disagreement. Juarez testified after it became clear Tao was elected mayor. He messaged Andy Duong, quote, so we may go to jail, but we are $100 million richer. Andy Duong then responds, quote, money buys everything. In court, Juarez testified, I was making light of the fact that we just committed a crime by funding the election. Now in court today, Mario Warris confirmed the checks he used to pay for those negative ads bounced. The defense is expected to vigorously cross-examine him. Warris has taken a plea deal with the government. The prosecution has acknowledged Warris is no angel. The trial resumes on Thursday. Live in the newsroom, Henry Lee, KTVU, Fox 2 News.