Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, her longtime partner and two local businessmen were named in an indictment unsealed Friday alleging the four conspired to funnel city business to companies owned by the men in exchange for money and benefits to Thao and her partner.

Thao has maintained her innocence and denied she is at the center of a public corruption scandal. She has largely laid low since being recalled in November.

Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, her boyfriend and a father-son team who run the local recycling company were indicted Friday on federal bribery and conspiracy charges for an alleged pay-to-play scheme.