Defense attacks credibility of key witness Mario Juarez in former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao trial

Sheng Thao Defense attacks credibility of key witness Mario Juarez in former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao trial David Duong's attorney challenged the credibility of the prosecution's key witness in bribery and corruption trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. By Dan Noyes Saturday, November 7, 2026 11:46PM Share OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- An attorney for David Duong, founder of California Waste Solutions and a defendant in the Sheng Thao bribery and corruption trial, spent much of Thursday challenging the credibility of the prosecution's key witness, Mario Juarez, during testimony in federal court in Oakland. Juarez has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery of a public official and testified that his plea agreement requires him to tell the truth on the witness stand in hopes of receiving a lighter sentence. Throughout the day, defense attorney Ed Swanson repeatedly questioned Juarez's truthfulness and attacked his testimony. RELATED: Corruption trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao centers on collapse of Evolutionary Homes The defense focused on tensions between the Duongs and Juarez, their business partner, particularly over efforts to persuade Oakland to purchase container homes for homeless residents from their company, Evolutionary Homes. According to testimony, the proposal involved up to $3 million in cash payments and commissions to former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and her boyfriend. The defense played a recording in which Juarez described his frustration with Thao. "You know, I think I was disappointed that she promised something and she is not keeping it, and she's doing it that way. So for me, it's a personal issue with her now," Juarez said. RELATED: Secret recordings detailing alleged deal played in corruption trial of ex-Oakland mayor Sheng Thao The defense also presented evidence showing repeated demands from the Duongs for an accounting of the $750,000 they provided to launch the company. On the stand, Juarez acknowledged keeping about $200,000 of that money. Former federal corruption prosecutor Wilson Leung said defense attorneys often seek to undermine a witness's credibility, even when they cannot expose a major contradiction. "Ideally, you would have some Perry Mason moment where you catch the person in a lie or something dramatically inconsistent, the aha moment," Leung said. "But they're incredibly rare. So, the next best outcome is to create an impression. On the jury, that the person is defensive, guarded, and otherwise unlikable." Child dies in fiery crash near Apple's headquarters in Cupertino; man arrested, authorities say SFPD executes search warrant at $4M Sea Cliff house at the center of alleged squatting activity Defense attacks credibility of key witness Mario Juarez in former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao trial 15 minutes ago During cross-examination, Juarez admitted bouncing checks to Butterfly Printers, a minority-owned business that produced an attack mailer supporting Thao's mayoral campaign. RELATED: Witness testifies Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao wanted to be a millionaire He also acknowledged surrendering his real estate license after inflating a tenant's security deposit and keeping the difference of $14,000. Juarez further admitted keeping a woman's $44,000 check that should have been used to pay off her home loan. "Yes, Mr. Juarez has a lot of issues," Leung said. "He's admitted to crimes of his own, both related to the charged crimes and also past misconduct." RELATED: Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao's corruption trial exhibits reveal alleged violence, money conflict At several points during the proceedings, Swanson and Juarez raised their voices while sparring over questions and answers. The trial is scheduled to resume Monday. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics OAKLAND SHENG THAO OAKLAND MAYOR POLITICS CORRUPTION BRIBERY TRIAL COURT 7 ON YOUR SIDE INVESTIGATION INVESTIGATION COURT CASE POLITICAL SCANDAL ALAMEDA COUNTY HOMELESS Thao corruption trial centers on collapse of Evolutionary Homes Witness testifies ex-Oakland mayor wanted to be a millionaire Secret recordings detailing alleged deal played in Sheng Thao trial Sheng Thao's corruption trial reveals alleged violence, money conflict Live Streams ON NOW Child dies in fiery crash near Apple's headquarters in Cupertino $4M SF home raided in squatting investigation Live updates: Aisha Wahab wins reelection to fill Swalwell's seat Aiyuk arrives at 49ers' headquarters; future remains uncertain Becerra pledges focus on affordability but offers few policy specifics FL Learjet co-pilot's dad defends daughter's reputation after crash 18-year-old arrested in deadly Moss Landing State Beach shooting $11.4M shipment of Nvidia cargo stolen from Oakland