A former parole officer, Ken Hong Wong, confessed to participating in a $20,000 cash bribe of a former San Francisco official, aiming to escape imprisonment. Seeking leniency, he is appealing for home detention. Wong, 58, pleaded guilty in August to federal bribery charges linked to a scheme to bribe ex-San Francisco Public Works chief Mohammed Nuru. Notable support, including California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, backs his plea.
Wong is urging a sentence of three months of home confinement, coupled with electronic monitoring, three years of probation, and a $10,000 fine. However, this plea may clash with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which might advocate for a prison term. Noteworthy figures, including California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, San Francisco Police Commissioner Larry Yee, and former Millbrae Mayor Wayne Lee, have written letters endorsing Wong before his sentencing by U.S. District Judge William Orrick.
Before retiring in 2015, Wong headed San Francisco’s parole office and is a recognized figure in the local Chinese community as a pop singer using a stage name which translates to “San Francisco’s Big Brother/Master.”
In his plea deal, Wong confessed to receiving $10,000 to deliver cash bribes to Nuru, securing a job at Public Works for an individual in 2019. Although the court records did not disclose the person’s identity, The Standard identified her as a young engineer from China who briefly served in the city.
Nuru later became the central figure in a widespread City Hall corruption scandal, leading to the downfall of city officials and criminal charges for over a dozen former bureaucrats and business figures since it surfaced in early 2020. He is currently incarcerated, with a release date set for August 2028.
In her letter to the judge, Ma, a former state assemblymember and San Francisco supervisor planning a 2026 lieutenant governor run, affirmed Wong’s distinguished career and community service history. While writing the letter as a private citizen, Ma, also a certified public accountant and the state treasurer, signed it in both capacities.
“I have been acquainted with Ken for the last two decades, witnessing his dedication to volunteering at numerous grassroots community events, street festivals, and neighborhood cleanups,” wrote Ma.
She recounted accompanying Wong on a ride-along during his tenure as a parole agent and later observing his performances as a singer at charity events supporting hospitals, seniors, and various charitable causes.
Yee, expressing his personal sentiments, conveyed to Judge Orrick his decade-long acquaintance with Wong. He portrayed Wong as a person with a “big heart” actively volunteering in Chinatown, whose music has resonated with many.
In a plea for leniency, Yee urged the judge to keep Wong within the community, emphasizing the challenging times ahead and the need for individuals like Wong, dedicated to serving Chinatown.
