A former Oakland city employee is testifying against former Mayor Sheng Thao in her federal corruption trial Thursday.
The defense is cross-examining Latonda Simmons, Oakland’s former assistant city administrator, who is testifying on behalf of the government. The defense is trying to portray Simmons as someone who has an axe to grind against Thao.
Simmons testified about her knowledge of the merging of the Housing and Community Development Department with the Community Homelessness Services program under then-Mayor Thao.
Prosecutors allege Thao made the change in an attempt to direct the purchase of 300 modular housing units from Evolutionary Homes, a company run by co-defendants David and Andy Duong.
The government alleges the purchase was a quid pro quo for the Duongs helping Thao get elected mayor.
During cross-examination Thursday morning, Simmons testified that she thought Thao didn’t value her opinion on the homelessness issue and believed she was being pushed out.
Simmons was fired after Thao left office.
She also testified that she went to the government to express her suspicions about the merger of the city departments, believing there was a much broader conspiracy involving more city employees.
Prosecutors allege the Duongs conspired with Thao and her longtime boyfriend, Andre Jones, to help Thao get elected mayor and funnel money to Jones in exchange for a city contract for the Duongs’ company, California Waste Solutions, and a commitment to buy modular housing units from Evolutionary Homes.
