UPDATE: San Leandro City Councilman Bryan Azevedo has just pleaded not guilty to federal corruption charges, including allegations of accepting a $2,000 bribe from a housing company. This shocking development unfolded during his initial court appearance on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, where Azevedo faced serious charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and lying to investigators.
In a dark grey suit and red tie, Azevedo remained largely silent as he entered his plea, facing a potential 20 years in prison if convicted. A U.S. district judge permitted him to stay free on a $25,000 bond pending the outcome of the case. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 8, 2024, raising questions about the future of both his political career and the ongoing federal investigation.
Federal prosecutors revealed that a plea deal might be on the horizon for Azevedo, with Assistant Attorney Abraham Fine stating the councilman is “very close” to resolving his case. This potential deal could have far-reaching implications for a related corruption case involving former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and several associates, including Andre Jones and the Duong family, known for their business Evolutionary Homes.
Authorities assert that Azevedo allegedly accepted the bribe in November 2023, reportedly hoping to leverage his influence on the City Council to secure contracts for the company. Court records indicate Azevedo had already taken steps to prepare for potential illicit dealings, creating a limited liability company in his wife’s name and opening a related bank account.
The case against Azevedo bears striking similarities to the accusations facing Thao, who is alleged to have accepted bribes in exchange for political favors and a lucrative no-show job for Jones. Both cases have now been assigned to the same federal judge, intensifying scrutiny on the Oakland political landscape.
As Azevedo navigates these serious charges, the implications of his case extend beyond his personal future, intertwining with broader corruption allegations that could reshape the political fabric of the region.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as this story develops. The ramifications of these allegations are significant, not just for Azevedo, but for the integrity of local governance.
