Wed Sep 18 03:27:32 UTC 2024: ## Oakland Approves Security Contract Amidst FBI Probe

**Oakland, CA** – The Oakland City Council unanimously approved a multi-million dollar contract for city security guards on Tuesday, a move that comes amidst an ongoing FBI public corruption probe. The contract, which will keep ABC Security Service patrolling city buildings until June 2025, is worth up to $6 million, in addition to $3.2 million in back pay.

This decision comes after a complex series of events. The initial vote on the contract extension in July resulted in a tie, requiring Mayor Sheng Thao to break the tie. However, the contract’s connection to Ana Chretien, the owner of ABC Security Service, complicated the situation. Chretien has close business ties to Mario Juarez, who is currently under investigation by the FBI.

The initial $8 million contract extension was revised to include the back pay, effectively preventing Mayor Thao from having to personally vote on a contract with a company linked to the FBI probe.

The city will now move forward with seeking proposals for a long-term security contractor. This new contract could lead to lower costs for the city compared to the current agreement with ABC Security Service.

Councilmembers voiced concerns about the potential inclusion of armed guards in the future contract, citing potential dangers to the public.

The FBI investigation has been ongoing since June, when raids were conducted on the homes of Mayor Thao and the Duong family, who own the city-contracted trash recycling company California Waste Solutions. While no arrests have been made, Juarez, who was previously charged by Alameda County prosecutors in a felony case related to election mailers, has pleaded not guilty. The investigation also includes accusations of financial impropriety involving Juarez and the Duong family.

The city’s ongoing financial crisis has forced cuts to its security budget, and the contract will be reviewed to compare security costs with other neighboring cities.

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