San Jose city councilmember accused of defamation, abuse of power by political rival

"She said Doan and Fleming humiliated her by circulating false accusations that Le used school district resources to benefit herself and her family members, and used the annual Children's Moon Festival to reward political allies and publicly shame political adversaries. Our community deserves a leader who respects us, not retaliates against us, Le said. We are calling for a public apology from Councilmember Bien Doan and his chief of staff, Jonathan Fleming, an end to political retaliation,"

"Doan's office denied the allegations in a statement provided to The Mercury News. Our actions relayed a community member's complaint and concerns in good faith and we are confident justice will prevail, Doan's office said. In April, Fleming using his government email address and acting in his official capacity wrote to the East Side Union High School District Board of Trustees relaying allegations from a whistleblower and requesting an investigation."

Van Le filed a civil grand jury complaint against Councilmember Bien Doan and his chief of staff, Jonathan Fleming, accusing abuse of power, misuse of city resources and false allegations. Van Le plans a defamation suit, alleging Doan and Fleming circulated claims that she used school district resources to benefit family and that the Children's Moon Festival was used to reward allies and shame adversaries. Van Le demanded a public apology, an end to political retaliation, and city reform to prevent weaponized whistleblower complaints. Doan's office denied the allegations, saying the actions relayed a community complaint in good faith. Fleming emailed the school district board requesting an investigation that included accusations Van Le used public resources to attack rivals.

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