There’s no evidence that the alleged bribery scheme between Sheng Thao and three others actually happened. The government’s case is based on the untrustworthy account of informant Mario Juarez.
That’s what defense attorney Erik Babcock tried to demonstrate in court Thursday, beginning an energetic cross-examination of FBI Special Agent Katherine Barclay during the second week of trial in the Oakland corruption case.
He ran through the promises that former mayor and her then-partner Andre Jones allegedly made in exchange for David and Andy Duongs’ bribes. The city did not ultimately extend their recycling contract, let alone purchase hundreds of tiny homes from their housing company, he confirmed with Barclay…