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.

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.

After months of maintaining her innocence, recalled Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao is facing criminal charges from a federal grand jury indictment that will be announced Friday morning, according to reports.