Oakland City Administrator Jestin Johnson has resigned after a series of inappropriate text messages became public.
The communications — described as “degrading and unprofessional” by Mayor Barbara Lee — took place in 2024 between Johnson and former Department of Public Works Director G. Harold Duffey, who now serves as city manager of Brentwood. The texts reportedly included sexually suggestive comments about female colleagues and subordinates, including remarks about their bodies and appearance.
The messages were released publicly through a public records request tied to the federal corruption investigation involving former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao.
“We promptly conducted our own investigation and verified these communications, which are wholly incompatible with the values of this administration and those of the people of Oakland,” Mayor Barbara Lee said. “Under my watch, I will not tolerate transgressions of this nature.”
Assistant City Administrator Elizabeth “Betsy” Lake has been appointed interim city administrator.
Read more at KTVU.