BREAKING: San Leandro City Councilman Bryan Azevedo has pleaded not guilty to serious federal corruption charges, including accepting a $2,000 bribe from a housing company. This urgent development unfolded during his first court appearance on November 1, 2023, as he faces the possibility of up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Azevedo, dressed in a dark grey suit and red tie, remained largely silent in the U.S. District Court as he faced charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and lying to federal investigators. He has been released on a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court on January 8, 2024.
Prosecutors have indicated that a plea deal may be imminent, stating Azevedo is “very close” to resolving his case, which could have significant ramifications for a related federal corruption case involving former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and her partner Andre Jones. Both matters are linked to alleged bribery schemes surrounding Evolutionary Homes, a business co-founded by David Duong.
Officials allege that Azevedo accepted the bribe in November 2023, hoping to leverage his influence on the City Council to secure a contract for the housing company. According to court records, Azevedo had already established a limited liability company in his wife’s name, purportedly to facilitate receiving bribes.
This case shares notable similarities with ongoing investigations into Thao, who is accused of accepting bribes from the Duong family in exchange for political favors. Azevedo’s actions are stirring significant public interest, given the potential implications for local governance and corruption.
As this story is still developing, there are calls for greater transparency and accountability among elected officials in the region. The community is watching closely as the judicial process unfolds, with many eager to see the outcomes of both Azevedo’s case and the broader implications for others implicated in these alleged schemes.
Stay tuned for updates on this evolving situation as more details emerge.
