Thao's attorney, Jeffrey Tsai, pressed Juarez on text messages exchanged around the time the alleged pay-for-play arrangement between Juarez and Thao's co-defendant Andy Duong fell apart. Tsai went so far as to question whether any bribery scheme existed at all.

Juarez responded sharply, referencing recordings of the conversations and telling the attorney, "It was all verified. Listen to your lying ears."

Prosecutors allege that Thao, her longtime partner Andre Jones, and Oakland businessmen Andy Duong and David Duong traded cash and campaign support for political favors and city contracts. Juarez, who is cooperating with the government as part of a plea deal, also offered an apology in court, stating that he had let a lot of people down.

The trial, which has been underway for several weeks, has already featured testimony from former Oakland city employees and repeated defense efforts to undermine Juarez's credibility. Friday's exchange underscored the defense strategy of casting doubt on the government's key witness and the evidence underpinning the case.

Thao, once a rising political star in Oakland, faces federal corruption charges that could carry significant prison time if convicted. The case has drawn intense local interest, with residents closely watching how allegations of backroom deals and misuse of public office are handled in court.

The trial is expected to continue next week.