East Bay Developer Charged With Trying to Bribe Antioch City Councilmember With Coffee Mug Full of 5,000 Cash

David Sanson, 60, and his son Trent Sanson, 33, from DeNova Homes, face charges for allegedly attempting to bribe an Antioch City Councilmember with $15,000. The councilmember, who chose to remain anonymous, immediately informed the FBI and agreed to cooperate by wearing a wire. During a recorded meeting, David Sanson reportedly handed over $5,000 in cash concealed in a travel coffee mug. The bribery attempt aimed to expedite city permits for the stalled Aviano development, which requires additional infrastructure work. The Department of Justice's charges include conspiracy to commit bribery and bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.

Both men could face up to 15 years in prison and are scheduled for a court appearance in June. DeNova Homes stated that David Sanson is "semi-retired" and no longer involved in daily operations, distancing the company from the allegations. This incident follows another bribery case linked to former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, indicating a troubling trend in local governmental corruption.