San Leandro councilmember resigns ahead of court appearance for corruption charges

San Leandro City Councilmember Bryan Azevedo announced his resignation on Monday, two days before he returns to federal court to face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and lying to federal authorities amid allegations he accepted a $2,000 bribe.

Azevedo’s departure from the city of San Leandro halfway through his current term ends a controversial tenure as he refocuses on bringing a resolution to the federal case against him. He is scheduled in court to change his not guilty plea on Wednesday, and federal prosecutors have indicated he may become a crucial witness against others charged in a broader East Bay corruption probe.

“The City of San Leandro announced today that it has received a formal letter of retirement from District 2 Council Member Bryan Azevedo,” the city of San Leandro stated on Monday. “(H)is retirement from the City Council will be effective February 10, 2026.”

Azevedo, a foreman with the Sheet Metal Workers, was elected to the San Leandro city council in 2020 and reelected in 2024. Federal prosecutors charged Azevedo with mail fraud and lying to a federal agency in October 2025 as part of a corruption probe into East Bay cities.

The probe has also ensnared former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, her romantic partner Andre Jones, and the father-and-son business duo of David and Andy Duong, who have each been indicted on federal conspiracy and fraud charges.

Representing the city of San Leandro in 2023, Azevedo joined a trade delegation of Bay Area politicians to Vietnam that included Andy Duong, Thao and others. According to public records, David Duong’s business association paid $6,400 to cover Azevedo’s airfare, hotel and meals during the 10-day trip.

Federal prosecutors said Azevedo accepted a bribe to secure a contract for an affordable housing company in exchange for a cut of the sales.

In January 2025, the FBI raided Azevedo’s home and seized cell phones, laptops and other personal devices. Days later, federal authorities indicted Thao, Jones and David and Andy Duong. Azevedo had pleaded not guilty to the charges but is set to appear in court at 1 p.m. Wednesday.