Part 4/9:
In an intricate dance of political favoritism, Thao is accused of using her influence to appoint city officials who would advance the Duongs' business interests. In a twisted quid pro quo arrangement, the Duongs allegedly financed a campaign smear effort against Thao's political rivals. Evidence suggests that Mario Juarez, a housing company co-founder with Andy Duong, orchestrated negative mailer campaigns targeting Thao's opponents—yet he was not officially named in the indictment.