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Attorney General Bonta Files Charges Against a Southern California Real Estate Agent for Price Gouging Eaton Fire Victims | State of California – Department of Justice
In addition, DOJ has sent 500 price gouging warning letters to hotels and landlords
LOS ANGELES — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the filing of charges against a real estate agent for attempting to price gouge a couple who lost their home in the Los Angeles Eaton Fire. This investigation began when a complaint was filed with the California Department of Justice (DOJ) after the couple tried to rent a home after the Governor’s Emergency Order went into effect, which protects fire victims from price gouging. As part of Attorney General Bonta’s work to protect Californians following the Southern California wildfires, DOJ has also sent 500 warning letters – and counting – to hotels and landlords who have been accused of price gouging. In addition, the office has more active criminal investigations into price gouging underway.
“As I have said repeatedly, the price gouging must stop. Today, we are making good on our promise to hold price gougers accountable, with more to come,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I have been urging the public to report any such incidents to local authorities, or to my office at oag.ca.gov/report or by reaching out to our hotline at (800) 952-5225. The response has been astonishing and we have sent out 500 warning letters. Today, I am proud to announce that we have filed a case charging price gouging. May this announcement serve as a stern warning to those who would seek to further victimize those who have lost everything. DOJ is aggressively and relentlessly pursuing those who are trying to make a quick buck off of someone else’s pain.”
The investigation revealed that the couple applied to rent a home but after the application was received, they were informed that the price increased by 38%. They decided to not rent the house due to the increase in price. Due to the price being raised over the 10% limit laid out in Penal Code section 396, a charge was filed that carries potential penalty of a $10,000 maximum fine and the possibility of 12 months in jail.
Working alongside our District Attorneys, City Attorneys, and other law enforcement partners, DOJ has opened active investigations into price gouging as it continues to ramp up deployment of resources to Los Angeles County to investigate and prosecute price gouging, fraud, scams, and unsolicited low-ball offers on property during the state of emergency. DOJ has been working diligently to tackle this unlawful and unscrupulous conduct since a state of emergency was declared on January 7, 2025, and to further those efforts, the launch of a website dedicated to its response: oag.ca.gov/LAFires.
California law – specifically, Penal Code section 396 – generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds, by more than 10%, the price a seller charged for an item before a state or local declaration of emergency. For items a seller only began selling after an emergency declaration, the law generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds the seller’s cost of the item by more than 50%. This law applies to those who sell food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, building materials, and gasoline. The law also applies to repair or reconstruction services, emergency cleanup services, transportation, freight and storage services, hotel accommodations, and long- and short-term rental housing. Exceptions to this prohibition exist if, for example, the price of labor, goods, or materials has increased for the business.Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to criminal prosecution that can result in a one-year imprisonment in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Violators are also subject to civil enforcement actions including civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation, injunctive relief, and mandatory restitution. The Attorney General and local prosecutors can enforce the statute.
TIPS FOR REPORTING PRICE GOUGING, SCAMS, FRAUD AND OTHER CRIMES:
- Visit oag.ca.gov/LAfires or call our hotline at: (800) 952-5225.
- Include screenshots of all correspondence including conversations, text messages, direct messages (DMs), and voicemails
- Provide anything that shows what prices you were offered, when, and by whom.
- If you’re on a site like Zillow, you can also send screenshots of the price history and a link to the listing.
- Include first and last names of the realtors, listing agents, or business owners you spoke to. Be sure to include phone numbers, email addresses, home and business addresses, websites, social media accounts.
- Don’t leave out any information that can help us find and contact the business or landlord.
Californians who believe they have been the victim of price gouging should report it to their local authorities or to the Attorney General at oag.ca.gov/LAfires. To view a list of all price gouging restrictions currently in effect as a result of proclamations by the Governor, please see here.
A copy of the complaint can be found here.
Attorney General Bonta Files Charges Against a Southern California Real Estate Agent for Price Gouging Eaton Fire VictimsThe State of California Department of Justice announced today that Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed charges against a Southern California real estate agent for allegedly price gouging victims of the devastating Eaton Fire.
According to the complaint filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the real estate agent is accused of jacking up the prices of rental properties in the aftermath of the fire, taking advantage of desperate residents who were left homeless by the disaster.
Attorney General Bonta stated, “Price gouging is illegal and unconscionable, especially in times of crisis when communities are already facing so much devastation. We will not tolerate anyone taking advantage of vulnerable individuals in their time of need.”
The charges against the real estate agent include violations of California’s price gouging laws, which prohibit businesses from increasing prices by more than 10% after a state of emergency has been declared.
If convicted, the real estate agent could face significant fines and penalties. The Department of Justice is urging anyone who may have been a victim of price gouging in the wake of the Eaton Fire to come forward and report their experience.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the case progresses through the legal system.
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Restaurants begin implementing service charges preparing for tipped wage hike
FARMINGTON, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Michigan minimum wage is expected to increase for tipped workers starting Feb. 21.
Some are celebrating the bump while others including some restaurant owners are worried they won’t be able to sustain the hike. That includes John Cowley & Sons Irish Pub in Farmington, which recently implemented a 20% service charge to prepare for the change.
WXYZ
The 20 percent surcharge at John Cowley & Son’s in Farmington Last summer, the Michigan Supreme Court reinstated a 2018 law that state Republicans at the time blocked to increase the tipped wage and amount of sick time leave for workers. With the Supreme Court’s decision, the increase of $5.99 per hour for tipped workers is expected to go into effect next month.
“This business model cannot support what they’re trying to do,” John Cowley & Sons owner Greg Cowley said. “It will put a lot of restaurants down.”
Previous coverage: New year brings new minimum wage to Michigan, but some don’t want the raise
New year brings new minimum wage to Michigan, but some don’t want the raise
To keep the restaurant open, Cowley says he had to make the decision of letting go staff or implementing some sort of service charge. He says laying off staff was not an option for him.
“I’ve got about 16 servers… I can’t run the building without 16 servers. I need that kind of labor,” he said. “Pretty easy decision for me to basically say I’m leaving my menu prices where they are at and the margins that I expected, and I’m just taking the money out of the right pocket and putting it in the left where basically the surcharge is flipped over and is now in their salary.”
WXYZ
Owner of John Cowley and Son’s, Greg Cowley Republican Rep. Bill Schuette is chair of the newly formed select committee Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses. He says he is working around the clock to make sure that raise does not happen.
“Unless the Legislature acts, we’re going to see an elimination of the tip credit, which is going to not only put additional costs on your family when you’re going out to eat but also will rob restaurant workers of their hard-earned tipped wages, which is a key part of their income,” Schuette said. “Our restaurant workers, the restaurant industry, they’re facing a freight train that is bearing down on them come Feb. 21. And that’s because of a ruling the Supreme Court has made.”
WXYZ
Rep. Bill G. Schuette speaking with 7 News Detroit Reporter Ruta Ulcinaite However, advocacy groups like One Fair Wage disagree, saying that workers will now have a higher wage as well as their tips.
“The tips aren’t going away on Feb. 22. This is about raising the base wage with tips on top, and every restaurant worker across Michigan will earn more money come Feb. 21,” former state legislator and One Fair Wage senior adviser Dave Woodward said. “I think what the Republican-controlled statehouse is doing is absolutely shameful. They’re doing the exact same thing that their predecessors did six years ago: scheming with the big corporate lobbies to deny workers in Michigan a wage increase and the ability to earn paid sick time.”
WXYZ
Former State Representative and current One Fair Wage senior adviser Dave Woodward Warren resident Hannah Gregory says despite the possible surcharges statewide, she’ll still tip.
“I have family that have worked in service industries and I just know how much their tips mean to them and to their families, so I just think you have to take care of your neighbors,” she said.
Scheutte and other House Republicans have two bills that would reinstate the tip credit and address the sick time policy, hoping to get those on the House floor by Thursday.
As the minimum wage for tipped workers continues to rise in many states across the country, restaurants are beginning to implement service charges to help offset the increased labor costs.With the tipped minimum wage set to increase to $15 an hour in some states, restaurant owners are looking for ways to ensure their staff is fairly compensated while also maintaining profitability.
By adding a service charge to customers’ bills, restaurants can redistribute the funds to their employees in a more equitable manner. This allows all staff members, not just servers, to benefit from the increased revenue.
While some customers may be hesitant to pay a service charge on top of their bill, many restaurants are finding that customers are willing to support fair wages for their service industry workers.
Overall, the implementation of service charges is seen as a positive step towards ensuring that restaurant workers are paid fairly for their labor. As the tipped wage hike continues to roll out across the country, it is likely that more restaurants will follow suit in implementing service charges to support their staff.
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#Restaurants #implementing #service #charges #preparing #tipped #wage #hike
Two Fayette County men charged with sex abuse, other charges after three-week investigation
FAYETTE COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – Two Arlington, Iowa men were arrested on Sunday and face a number of charges, including third degree sex abuse.
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office said the arrests came after a three-week-long investigation. Few details of the investigation have been released as of Monday morning.
Taylor Mathew Keppler, 20, of Arlington, is charged with three counts of Drug Distribution to a minor (including cocaine, marijuana, and edibles), and four counts of third degree sex abuse.
Henry Hamlett, 22, of Arlington, was charged with 10 counts of third degree sex abuse.
Both were taken into custody on Sunday and are being held at the Fayette County Jail. Hamlett is being held on $45,000 cash surety bond and Keppler is being held on a $30,000 case surety bond.
Both men face more than 85 years in prison if convicted.
Copyright 2025 KCRG. All rights reserved.
In a disturbing turn of events, two Fayette County men have been charged with sex abuse and other serious offenses following a three-week investigation. The allegations against them are deeply troubling and have left the community in shock.The two men, whose names have not been released to protect the identities of the victims, are facing multiple charges including sex abuse, assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. The investigation into their actions has revealed a pattern of disturbing behavior that has affected multiple individuals.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone who may have been a victim of these men to come forward and report their experiences. They are committed to ensuring that justice is served and that the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
The community is reeling from the news of these charges, and many are left wondering how such heinous acts could have gone unnoticed for so long. It serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and speaking out against abuse in all its forms.
As the legal process unfolds, our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We hope that they are able to find the support and healing they need during this difficult time.
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#Fayette #County #men #charged #sex #abuse #charges #threeweek #investigation
Jonathan Turley Analyzes Potential Future Charges for Hunter Biden Despite Pardon
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George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley has discussed potential legal vulnerabilities for Hunter Biden, despite the comprehensive pardon issued by President Joe Biden. The pardon covers any crimes Hunter might have committed between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024, including those related to his controversial role at Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company.
Turley highlighted on “Fox & Friends” that this pardon, described as one of the most sweeping since Nixon’s, does not shield Hunter from new crimes committed post-pardon, such as perjury if he provides false testimony in future Congressional inquiries into the alleged influence peddling scheme.
Turley points out that ongoing investigations by House Republicans, particularly through the impeachment inquiry started in September 2023, could lead to new charges if Hunter misleads or lies under oath during testimony. This concern stems from previous instances where Hunter was accused of being misleading or false in his statements to Congress.
Additionally, Hunter has already been convicted on felony charges in Delaware related to gun purchases and tax evasion, illustrating that his legal troubles extend beyond the scope of the pardon. The complexity of these legal entanglements underscores the potential for further legal action against Hunter, even with the broad protections provided by his father’s presidential pardon.
Jonathan Turley Breaks Down How Hunter Biden Could Face ‘Additional Charges’ In The Future Despite Being Pardoned
George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley on Tuesday broke down how Hunter Biden could face “additional charges” that would not be protected by President Joe Biden’s pardon.
Biden issued a “full and unconditional” pardon for his son on Sunday regarding any crime his is charged with or may have committed since from Jan. 1, 2014 to Dec. 1, 2024, including any potential charges regarding an alleged influence peddling scheme during his time on a now-defunct Ukrainian gas company’s board. Turley said on “Fox & Friends” that Hunter could potentially face charges if he is called to testify before Congress about the alleged influence peddling scheme and could be charged with perjury if he makes false statements.
“The president clearly is hoping that he’s given [Hunter] this sweeping protection and that includes unnamed crimes, quite literally, Hunter Biden could have six heads in a duffle bag in his basement and [the pardon] would cover it as long as he committed those murders during this ten-year period. This, by the way, would not protect him from state charges. But it’s a sweeping pardon that we haven’t seen really the likes of since [former] President [Richard] Nixon, it’s pretty unprecedented in that respect,” Turley began.
“The problem is that Hunter could be called before Congress. Congress has committees that are still looking into the influence peddling scandal involving millions and millions of dollars,” Turley continued. “He could be called to testify, last time he did that, the House accused him of being misleading, even false in his testimony. If he commits perjury again, it’s a new crime and this pardon will not have an impact and he could face additional charges.”
WATCH:
House Republicans launched the impeachment inquiry in September 2023 to investigate whether the president participated in an influence peddling scheme related to his son’s overseas business dealings in Ukraine, China and Romania. Biden’s pardon protects his son from any crime committed during his time serving on the board of Burisma, a now-defunct Ukrainian gas company.
House Republicans on the Oversight, Judiciary and Ways and Means committees submitted criminal referrals to the Department of Justice in June recommending that Hunter and his uncle, James Biden, be charged with making false statements to Congress about key aspects of the impeachment inquiry into the president. The chairmen said that the alleged false statements appeared to be “a calculated effort to shield” Biden from the investigation.
Members of the Oversight and Judiciary committees released a resolution in January recommending that Hunter be held in contempt of Congress for defying congressional subpoenas by failing to show up to a Dec. 13 closed-door deposition, which is classified as a misdemeanor crime.
A Delaware jury convicted Hunter in June on three felony charges related to his purchase of a gun in 2018 while knowingly being addicted to drugs and for writing false information on a gun purchase form. He faced up to 17 years in prison over nine charges relating to his alleged failure to pay $1.4 million in taxes between 2016 and 2019 in California.
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In a recent analysis by legal expert Jonathan Turley, the potential future charges for Hunter Biden despite a possible pardon were discussed. Turley, a law professor at George Washington University, delved into the complex implications of pardons in relation to ongoing legal investigations.While President Joe Biden has the authority to grant his son Hunter a pardon for any potential criminal charges, Turley highlighted that pardons only apply to federal offenses and do not shield individuals from state-level prosecutions. This means that even if Hunter were to receive a pardon from his father, he could still face charges at the state level.
Turley also pointed out that pardons do not prevent ongoing investigations or future charges from being filed. If evidence of criminal wrongdoing emerges after a pardon is granted, prosecutors could still pursue charges against Hunter.
Overall, Turley’s analysis underscores the importance of understanding the limitations of presidential pardons and the potential legal consequences that individuals like Hunter Biden may face despite receiving a pardon. It will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds in the coming months.
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Jonathan Turley, Hunter Biden, potential future charges, pardon analysis, legal expert, political news, Biden administration, criminal charges, legal implications, justice system, presidential pardon.
#Jonathan #Turley #Analyzes #Potential #Future #Charges #Hunter #Biden #PardonCPS to consider charges in Legacy case
Police investigating a funeral directors in Hull have passed a file containing more than 13,000 exhibits to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Officers removed 35 bodies and a quantity of ashes from the premises of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors following a report of “concern for care of the deceased” on 6 March 2024.
Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin, of Humberside Police, said the families of the deceased had been informed of the development, which followed “a meticulous 10-month investigation”.
Two people, who were arrested last year in connection with the investigation, remain on bail.
The CPS will now review the file of evidence and consider whether to bring charges.
ACC McLoughlin said it had been a “comprehensive and lengthy” inquiry “as we have diligently and sensitively handled each line of enquiry with the families who have suffered an untold amount of grief, heartache and distress”.
He thanked the families for their “unwavering patience and co-operation”.
Their support had been “invaluable” as officers gathered information “in the hope of seeking the answers they want and deserve”.
ACC McLoughlin said the force remained “committed to keeping those families affected at the heart of this investigation”.
A 46-year-old man was arrested on 9 March last year on suspicion of prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position.
A 54-year-old woman was arrested in July on suspicion of money laundering offences.
Both remain on conditional police bail, the force confirmed.
Emma Hardy, the MP for Hull West and Haltemprice, thanked officers for “their meticulous work”.
“It’s been a long wait for progress for those affected by these horrific crimes, so I’m sure this news will provide relief,” she said.
“I want to pay tribute to those who have been affected. You have shown us all the true meaning of resilience and community in the most difficult circumstance.”
Julie Butcher, senior operations manager at Victim Support, said the charity was continuing to support those affected, including via a dedicated phone line, on 08082811136.
The Child Protective Services (CPS) has announced that they will be considering charges in the Legacy case, where allegations of child abuse and neglect have been reported. This decision comes after a thorough investigation into the matter, which has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of the children involved.The Legacy case has sparked outrage and calls for justice from the community, as the details of the abuse and neglect have been disturbing and heartbreaking. CPS has stated that they take these allegations very seriously and will be looking into all possible charges that may be applicable in this case.
As more information becomes available, the public is encouraged to stay informed and support the efforts of CPS to ensure the safety and protection of vulnerable children. Charges in the Legacy case could potentially bring some closure and accountability to those responsible for the harm inflicted on these innocent children.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as CPS continues their investigation and considers charges in the Legacy case. Let us all come together to support the victims and work towards preventing such tragedies from happening in the future. #JusticeForLegacy #CPSInvestigation
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#CPS #charges #Legacy #case
Denver funeral director accused of storing body in hearse for over a year racks up new charges | News
The funeral director accused of storing a body in a hearse for over a year and also of financially bilking multiple grieving families is in trouble again.
Miles Harford faces two new felony charges out of Arapahoe County for hacking into his former employer’s business account to pay a Verizon bill.
The Littleton-based allegations occurred between July 6 and July 9, 2024, five months after Harford was arrested and released on bond for the abuse of corpse and theft charges which were separate and out of Denver.
He appeared in Arapahoe District court Thursday to answer to the two additional theft charges and released on a personal recognizance bond.
Ronna Phelps, who employed Harford for around a year, was the alleged victim of the theft. She said she noticed two suspicious withdrawals from her business account totaling $2,400 this summer. When she called her bank, a clerk asked if she knew Harford, whose name was associated with the two transactions.
“When she asked if I recognized the name Miles Harford, I couldn’t believe my ears. It just took my breath away,” said Phelps.
Phelps suspected that Harford used sensitive bank records he may have acquired when she employed him to allegedly steal from her.
Harford was arrested and released this week by Littleton police and faces two felony counts for theft and cybercrime.
The allegations are piling up for Harford.
The former owner of Apollo Funeral and Cremation Services faces at least a dozen counts out of Denver for incidents which happened over a nearly five-year period.
Those allegations include two counts of forgery, at least four counts of abuse of a corpse, and five counts of theft.
On Friday, he appeared virtually for court dressed in a blue suit and tie and waived his evidentiary hearing. Several family members were listening to the proceedings and others appeared in court in person.
He will answer to his Denver charges at 8:30 am. Feb. 28.
A Denver funeral director accused of storing a body in a hearse for over a year has now racked up new charges. The director, whose name has not been released, was originally charged with abuse of a corpse and failure to properly dispose of a body. However, new charges have been added, including fraud, theft, and misconduct.The director allegedly accepted payment for cremation services but did not follow through with the process, leaving the body in the hearse for an extended period of time. It is unclear why the director failed to properly handle the body or why they did not notify the authorities.
This shocking case has left the community in disbelief and has raised questions about the practices of funeral homes and directors. The director is currently facing multiple charges and will have to answer for their actions in court.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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- Body stored in hearse
- Funeral director accused
- Over a year
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#Denver #funeral #director #accused #storing #body #hearse #year #racks #charges #News
Former Funeral Home Director Accused of Storing Corpse in Hearse for More Than a Year Faces New Charges
New charges have reportedly been brought against a Colorado funeral director who was accused of storing a body in a hearse for over a year.
Miles Harford, the former owner of Apollo Funeral and Cremation Services in the Denver suburb of Littleton, was initially arrested in February 2024 on abuse of corpse and theft charges, according to The Denver Gazette. He was later released on bond, per the outlet.
Now, Harford is facing two additional felony charges for allegedly hacking into a former employer’s business account in order to pay a Verizon bill, according to the outlet, which noted the incidents allegedly occurred between July 6 and July 9, 2024.
While past charges were delivered in Denver, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to PEOPLE that new charges are out of Littleton.
PEOPLE reached out to the Littleton Police Department for comment but did not receive an immediate response on Sunday, Jan. 19.
David Zalubowski/AP
Former residence of Miles Harford, where authorities found human remains
Related: Model Whose Body Parts Were Found in Refrigerator Had Financial Dispute with Ex-Husband Before Death
In a past press conference, Denver Police Commander Matt Clark revealed that authorities had found the remains of a 63-year-old woman — as well as the cremated remains of several others — after Harford was evicted from a home he was renting in southwest Denver.
Clark said the woman in the hearse had died in August 2022.
“Through the investigation, detectives have determined the woman’s remains have likely been stored and concealed in the hearse since shortly after her passing,” Clark said. “The family previously received remains from the funeral home that they believed were their loved one.”
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Clark said the additional remains — which were stored in black plastic bags in the home’s crawlspace — likely belonged to people who died between the years 2012 and 2021 and that investigators were working to positively identify them all.
“As you can imagine these are extremely difficult conversations to have and the information comes as a shock to many of the families, several of whom believed they had the entire remains of their loved one,” he said.
Related: Colorado Funeral Home Director Pleads Guilty to Illegally Selling Hundreds of Body Parts
Clark further explained that it appeared as though Harford “experienced financial trouble in his business.”
“At times he was not able to complete cremations to provide remains to families for services,” he continued. “Unbeknownst to families who sought services from Apollo Funeral Services, Mr. Harford may have occasionally provided family members with another person’s cremated remains in lieu of their family member’s remains so services could be held.”
The business had been closed since September 2022, according to NBC.
Read the original article on People
Former Funeral Home Director accused of storing corpse in hearse for more than a year now faces new chargesIn a shocking turn of events, the former funeral home director who was previously charged with storing a corpse in a hearse for over a year is now facing new charges. The disgraced director, whose name has not been released to the public, was arrested again this week after authorities discovered more disturbing evidence of his alleged misconduct.
According to reports, the former funeral home director was found to have been storing multiple corpses in various stages of decomposition in the hearse, as well as in other parts of the funeral home. The bodies were reportedly left unattended and untreated, leading to a horrific scene of decay and neglect.
The new charges against the former director include multiple counts of abuse of a corpse, as well as charges related to the improper handling and storage of human remains. The authorities are still investigating the extent of the director’s alleged crimes and are working to ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families.
This case has sent shockwaves through the community and has raised serious concerns about the regulation and oversight of funeral homes and their directors. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of holding those in positions of trust and responsibility accountable for their actions.
As the investigation continues, the former funeral home director remains in custody and is awaiting trial. The families of the deceased are seeking answers and closure, as they grapple with the horrifying reality of what has transpired. The community is left to wonder how such a heinous crime could have gone unnoticed for so long, and what steps can be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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funeral home director, corpse, hearse, storage, charges, accused, new charges, funeral home scandal, funeral industry, legal implications, corpse storage, funeral home scandal, funeral home director scandal
#Funeral #Home #Director #Accused #Storing #Corpse #Hearse #Year #Faces #ChargesSheng Thao indictment charges explained – NBC Bay Area
Friday’s indictment by federal prosecutors charges former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao with “a corrupt relationship with her partner Andre Jones, and local businessmen, defendants David Duong and Andy Duong.”
At the time of the allegations, David Duong was – and is believed to still be – the president and CEO of Cal Waste Solutions, a recycling company contracted with the City of Oakland. He’s also co-owner of a housing company. His son, Andy, also works at Cal Waste Solutions and co-owns the same housing company.
Leading up to Oakland’s 2022 mayoral election, federal prosecutors say Sheng Thao promised, if she was elected, the City of Oakland would buy housing units from the Duongs. In exchange, the indictment alleges the Duongs spent $75,000 on campaign mailers targeting her opponents.
Prosecutors say the Duongs also paid Thao’s partner Andre Jones $95,000 for a “no-show job” with their housing company, meaning no work was expected.
Once Thao was mayor, prosecutors allege she used her influence to help appoint a high-level city official selected by the Duongs.
On Friday, Oakland’s City Administrator’s Office told NBC Bay Area, “The person identified in the indictment as Employee 1, or the former Interim Deputy Director of Housing and Community Development, stopped working in that department at the end of 2023, and thereafter worked in a different department. The individual submitted their resignation notice to the City today, Friday, January 17, 2025.”
“It’s clear the federal government is taking this very seriously,” said Michelle Rippy, chair of the Criminal Justice Department at CSU East Bay. “There certainly seems to be a lot of evidence that they have been able to obtain and list out in the indictment.”
Prosecutors say the evidence was made possible by a partnership between the FBI, IRS and US Post Office.
The evidence also alleges Thao, Jones and the Duongs tried to cover up the scheme. Thao allegedly directed the Duongs to make payments to Jones to avoid a paper trail leading back to her.
“The indictment itself is chock-full of allegations,” said Thao’s attorney Jeff Tsai on Friday. “But it is not chock-full of evidence, and that’s what we’re going to prove in the course of our defense of this case.”
“The case is built on allegations from an unknown co-conspirator that we believe, when evidence is revealed, will show my client has committed no crimes,” Tsai said.
In court Friday, Thao, Jones and the Duongs pled not guilty. Jones did not provide a statement.
Attorneys representing David and Andy Duong released statements saying their clients are innocent.
“We have kept quiet despite the media frenzy over the past months in the hope that the government would correctly come to see through objective investigation that the allegations are baseless, and being fanned by nothing more than gossip and supposition stitched together by the fabrications and delusions of those who lack all fundamental credibility,” attorneys for Andy Duong wrote.
Thao, Jones and the Duongs are presumed innocent until proven otherwise; however, Rippy says the indictment alone is having an impact on public trust in Oakland and beyond.
“That is going to be a very big challenge to overcome in the future for not only Oakland but many other local governments to make sure that they can maintain what trust is left,” she said.
Sheng Thao, a prominent figure in Oakland politics, has recently been indicted on charges related to corruption and bribery. The charges against her stem from an investigation into her alleged involvement in a scheme to solicit and accept bribes in exchange for favorable treatment on city contracts.Thao, who currently serves as a council member in Oakland, has denied any wrongdoing and has vowed to fight the charges in court. The indictment alleges that she accepted thousands of dollars in cash and gifts from a local businessman in exchange for helping him secure a lucrative city contract.
The case has sent shockwaves through the Oakland political scene, with many residents expressing disbelief at the allegations against Thao. As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge about the extent of her involvement in the alleged scheme.
Thao’s indictment serves as a reminder of the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions and ensuring that they act in the best interests of their constituents. As the case moves forward, it will be crucial for the justice system to uncover the truth and deliver justice for any wrongdoing that may have occurred.
Stay tuned to NBC Bay Area for updates on the Sheng Thao indictment charges and the ongoing investigation into this troubling case.
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#Sheng #Thao #indictment #charges #explained #NBC #Bay #AreaDoctor accused of assaulting women at clinic in Framingham, Massachusetts, faces rape charges
A Massachusetts doctor, who practiced at several locations including Brigham and Women’s Hospital, faced rape charges Friday.Dr. Derrick Todd was indicted on two counts of rape involving women who were his patients, according to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.Authorities said the alleged incidents happened between December 2022 and June 2023 during medical examinations at Charles River Medical Associates in Framingham.Todd surrendered to police in Framingham after he was indicted and was arraigned Friday in Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn. He plead not guilty to the charges and his bail was set at $10,000.Additionally, he was ordered to not practice medicine and to relinquish all his medical licenses.His defense attorney said he is not practicing under an agreement with the state medical board while it investigates.However, he is working as a medical consultant, but without patients.Todd was already facing several civil lawsuits, including class action suits. At the time, his lawyer said those lawsuits were without merit.The Suffolk District Attorney’s Office said cases involving Todd are still under investigation.Todd resigned from Brigham and Women’s in 2023, as the hospital was moving to fire him after an internal investigation. The hospital released a statement regarding Todd’s indictment on Thursday.”We appreciate the attention the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and law enforcement have given to this case,” the statement said.”We first reported Dr. Todd to law enforcement during our investigation, following the receipt of two anonymous complaints, and we continued to work closely with them throughout their investigation. We also reached out to patients who were seen by Dr. Todd and offered extensive support for follow-up medical care, as well as assistance if they wanted to report their experience to law enforcement.”We take our duty to care for our patients and keep them safe extremely seriously. We are deeply distressed to learn of the depth and breadth of harm that Dr. Todd is accused of having caused. We will continue to provide support and respond to our patients’ needs during this challenging time. We recognize the incredible courage it has taken for all patients who have come forward to ensure that this conduct was exposed.”NewsCenter 5 reached out to his attorney, who declined to comment.
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. —A Massachusetts doctor, who practiced at several locations including Brigham and Women’s Hospital, faced rape charges Friday.
Dr. Derrick Todd was indicted on two counts of rape involving women who were his patients, according to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said the alleged incidents happened between December 2022 and June 2023 during medical examinations at Charles River Medical Associates in Framingham.
Todd surrendered to police in Framingham after he was indicted and was arraigned Friday in Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn.
He plead not guilty to the charges and his bail was set at $10,000.
Additionally, he was ordered to not practice medicine and to relinquish all his medical licenses.
His defense attorney said he is not practicing under an agreement with the state medical board while it investigates.
However, he is working as a medical consultant, but without patients.
Todd was already facing several civil lawsuits, including class action suits. At the time, his lawyer said those lawsuits were without merit.
The Suffolk District Attorney’s Office said cases involving Todd are still under investigation.
Todd resigned from Brigham and Women’s in 2023, as the hospital was moving to fire him after an internal investigation.
The hospital released a statement regarding Todd’s indictment on Thursday.
“We appreciate the attention the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and law enforcement have given to this case,” the statement said.
“We first reported Dr. Todd to law enforcement during our investigation, following the receipt of two anonymous complaints, and we continued to work closely with them throughout their investigation. We also reached out to patients who were seen by Dr. Todd and offered extensive support for follow-up medical care, as well as assistance if they wanted to report their experience to law enforcement.
“We take our duty to care for our patients and keep them safe extremely seriously. We are deeply distressed to learn of the depth and breadth of harm that Dr. Todd is accused of having caused. We will continue to provide support and respond to our patients’ needs during this challenging time. We recognize the incredible courage it has taken for all patients who have come forward to ensure that this conduct was exposed.”
NewsCenter 5 reached out to his attorney, who declined to comment.
The community of Framingham, Massachusetts was shocked to hear the news that a local doctor has been accused of assaulting women at his clinic. The doctor, whose name has not been released to the public, is facing rape charges after several women came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct.According to reports, the doctor allegedly used his position of power to take advantage of vulnerable patients, subjecting them to unwanted advances and inappropriate touching during medical exams. The victims, who range in age from young adults to elderly women, have described feeling violated and traumatized by the alleged assaults.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have been a victim of the doctor’s misconduct to come forward and share their story. The doctor has been suspended from practicing medicine pending the outcome of the investigation.
The community is reeling from the news of these disturbing allegations, and many are left wondering how such a betrayal of trust could have occurred. As the case unfolds, residents are hoping for justice to be served and for the victims to receive the support and care they need to heal from this traumatic experience.
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