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Former High-Ranking Democratic Legislator in New Mexico Convicted in Federal Fraud Case
Prosecutors say the payment was meant to stop a reporter’s story about alleged drug use and sexual conduct, and the case is part of a broader bribery probe.
- Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao is scheduled to appear in Oakland this Friday morning for a pretrial motion hearing as she faces allegations of a federal "pay-to-play" scheme involving her boyfriend and local businessmen.
- The allegations stem from a 2023 trip to Vietnam funded by California Waste Solutions, which is part of a larger federal bribery and fraud investigation into Thao.
- Prosecutors allege Thao became "angry" and concerned about her political future, pressuring California Waste Solutions owners to pay a reporter's associate $10,000 to prevent publication of a story.
- Investigators also allege one of the business owners kept dozens of secret recordings, photos, and videos of politicians in "compromising positions," potentially complicating Thao's legal situation.
- Today's 9 a.m. appearance serves as a pretrial motion hearing, while the trial itself is scheduled to begin in about two months.
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The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)Top state Democrat found guilty by jury on federal charges in corruption trial
In March 2024, a grand jury indicted the 69-year-old Williams Stapleton on more than three dozen counts, including mail fraud, bribery, money laundering, and conspiracy to defraud the federal government
·London, United Kingdom
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Associated Press News+19 Reposted by 19 other sources
Former high-ranking Democratic legislator in New Mexico convicted in federal fraud case
A New Mexico jury has found a former high-ranking Democratic legislator guilty of numerous federal charges stemming from a corruption investigation.
·New York, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources24
Leaning Left10Leaning Right2Center11Last UpdatedBias Distribution48% Center
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources are Center
48% Center
L 43%
C 48%
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