Overview
- Federal prosecutors compelled Cecilia Mendez to testify under statutory immunity on Wednesday, forcing her to answer questions despite her earlier plan to invoke the Fifth Amendment.
- Prosecutors played secretly recorded Evolutionary Homes board meetings from late 2023 through early 2024 that include threats and sharp criticism of former Mayor Sheng Thao and her associates.
- The government says the audio and seized digital records map payments, requested appointments and a promised $300,000 no‑show job tied to efforts to secure city contracts for Evolutionary Homes and California Waste Solutions.
- Defense lawyers have attacked witness credibility and stressed gaps tying some payments directly to official acts while the government relies on cooperating witnesses, including Mario Juarez, who has pleaded guilty.
- The testimony and recordings sharpen scrutiny of Oakland contracting practices and set up further testimony from former city officials that could affect how the city awards and oversees vendor deals.