Leigh Hansen, who served as chief of staff to Thao and later to two interim mayors, was the first witness called by federal prosecutors in the corruption trial in Oakland. She said Jones unexpectedly appeared at an interview for a candidate who would oversee the mayor’s housing policy, and later attended a meeting with the city attorney about Thao’s decision to place Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong on administrative leave.

Hansen testified that she raised concerns with Thao and Jones about Jones being present at the city attorney meeting, including the possibility of complications if Armstrong sued the city. Jones replied, “We’ll see which one of us is left at the end of the day,” Hansen said. She testified that she then left the meeting.

Hansen also described her opposition to a July 2023 trip to Vietnam that Thao took with officials from Alameda County, the Port of Oakland and the Vietnamese American Business Association, which received funding from David Duong. Hansen said she warned Thao that residents could react harshly if a public safety emergency occurred while the mayor was away during her first year in office.

The testimony followed opening statements Wednesday in the trial of Thao, Jones, recycling executive David Duong and his son, Andy Duong. Prosecutors allege that from 2022 to 2024, the defendants took part in a pay-to-play arrangement as Thao campaigned for mayor and the Duongs pursued public contracts and business opportunities.

The government says Thao agreed to support the Duongs’ recycling company, California Waste Solutions; help the family’s modular-housing company, Evolutionary Homes, obtain city business; and appoint candidates favored by the Duongs to senior city posts. In return, prosecutors allege, the Duongs and political operative Mario Juarez provided benefits that included campaign assistance against Thao’s opponent, travel expenses for the Vietnam trip and promised payments to Jones through purported jobs at Evolutionary Homes.

Prosecutors say Jones received $95,000 between December 2022 and November 2023 as part of a planned $300,000 in payments. They contend the money was disguised as consulting compensation and that Jones used some of it to pay household expenses, indirectly benefiting Thao.

All four defendants deny wrongdoing. Defense attorneys have argued that the case depends heavily on Juarez, who pleaded guilty to bribery and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors. They say he fabricated allegations after his business relationship with the Duongs deteriorated. Jones’ attorney has said his client performed legitimate work for Evolutionary Homes, while Thao’s lawyer has argued that the couple’s relationship was strained and that there is no evidence they discussed a bribe.

The trial is expected to examine recorded meetings, messages and financial records. Thao, who was elected in 2022 and recalled by voters in November 2024, faces federal conspiracy, bribery and honest-services fraud charges. Jones and the Duongs also face federal charges, including conspiracy and bribery-related counts. The allegations have not been proven in court.