Election 2024: Criminal charges against San Jose City Council candidate Tam Truong dismissed

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) — A criminal complaint against a candidate for the San Jose City Council’s 8th District was dismissed Friday.

Tam Truong was previously charged with grand larceny for allegedly exploiting his position as a police officer to defraud mortgage lenders of more than half a million dollars.

The private security company he owns was also sued for alleged wage theft.

Truong issued a statement declaring his innocence, writing:

“As a police sergeant, I always had faith in the criminal justice system. Being completely innocent, I always knew this would be the result. I want to thank my friends and family who have stood with me, and especially my neighbors and supporters in District 8 who have supported our campaign for safer streets, an end to street homelessness, and making City Hall better for everyone works, always supported by us.”

But Truong is still involved in a civil case involving real estate.

Truong is a sergeant with the San Jose Police Department but is on administrative leave and his officer license has been temporarily suspended.

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Truong is running against Domingo Candelas in the District 8 race.

Despite the allegations and the loss of key supporters, including San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, Truong remains in the race for City Council.

The Santa Clara County Board of Voters said earlier this week that more than 100,000 ballots were being processed and Truong remained a candidate.

“The election is still happening, we are still certifying and there is a winner,” said Evelyn Mendez, public information officer for the Registrar of Voters. “The winner can resign if they want to resign. If someone wants to call him back, that’s a different process. But the ballots still count and we are still certifying the election as it is, with the ballots that have already been cast.”