An indictment was unsealed Friday as the U.S. Attorney's office announced eight federal charges against Oakland's recalled former mayor Sheng Thao, her partner Andre Jones, and two businessmen David Duong and Andy Duong,

The appointment reflects a key component of the alleged conspiracy: to fill major city staff roles with people who could favor Thao’s campaign backers for heavy public funding.

Sheng Thao, who was recalled by voters in the California city in November, said last year that she had done nothing wrong. She pleaded not guilty to the charges on Friday.

Federal prosecutors in California have indicted the former mayor of Oakland, her longtime partner and two business owners for bribery, conspiracy and mail and wire fraud

Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao has been indicted on federal bribery charges stemming from an FBI investigation into an alleged payment scheme with a Bay Area trash hauler. Prosecutors allege that Thao promised the city would extend Oakland’s contract with a recycling company and purchase housing units from its politically-connected owners in exchange for financial benefits.

Federal authorities on Friday morning announced details of an indictment against recalled Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, her boyfriend, and two members of the politically influential Duong family.