There was an explosive meeting of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, when the board voted unanimously to ask Sheriff Christina Corpus to resign. It comes after a damning report by a retired judge, revealing allegations of retaliation, racism and abuse of power.
As the Board of Supervisors considered casting a vote of no confidence, Sheriff Christina Corpus took to the microphone and called the allegations false and the investigation a witch hunt.
What she said next surprised many at the public meeting as she tried to protect her chief of staff, the man she is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with.
Sheriff Christina Corpus’ actions at the meeting were both unexpected and shocking.
“What has happened over the last few days is disgusting,” Sheriff Corpus said. “I will not allow the administration to threaten me and try to fire my chief of staff without cause. This investigation was politically motivated and one-sided. It was full of lies.”
Sheriff Corpus and Chief of Staff Victor Aenlle are central figures in a 400-page independent investigation. Details focused on allegations of abuse of power, intimidation and retaliation. Retired Judge LaDoris Cordell has spoken to numerous associates during the investigation, but the top cop has not yet spoken to her.
“Sheriff Corpus, would you provide sworn testimony before Judge Cordell,” Supervisor Ray Mueller asked. “Mr. Mueller, when I am legally represented, I will answer that question,” the sheriff responded.
Many sheriff’s deputies say morale is extremely low and many are frustrated by the lack of response from Sheriff Corpus and her administrative team.
“I think this just shows that what the DSA and OSS have said is completely true. We’ve talked about trying to get transparency,” said Detective Eliot Storch of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department. “We’ve talked about getting cooperation from the sheriff. So far we have only received resistance and nothing she has said contradicts that.’
Together with the motion of no confidence, the Supervisory Board voted to remove the position of chief of staff of Victor Aenlle. But in a surprise move, Sheriff Corpus tried to appoint Aenlle as her assistant sheriff during the meeting.
“I was surprised, disappointed and, quite frankly, in awe that the practice of continuing to promote this man despite the persistent allegations continues and that she is doing so publicly,” said Supervisor Noelia Corzo.
The county will look to see if Aenlle even meets the requirements of the job, as his background is in the real estate industry and not law enforcement. Supervisor Corzo says she tried to contact the sheriff by phone and text message in September to get her side of the story, but never heard back. Corzo is concerned about her well-being.
“It doesn’t make sense to do the things the sheriff did and to some extent I fear for her safety,” Supervisor Corzo said. “Emotional, physical, etc.”
As an elected official, there are only a few ways to remove the sheriff from office. That includes a recall or a change to the county charter so supervisors can fire her with good cause. Both options would have to be approved by voters, a process that could take quite some time. In the meantime, employees said they fear retaliation until there is a change in leadership.
“Yesterday our president, Carlos Tapia, was arrested on what we believe are baseless charges,” Detective Storch said. “I have no reason to believe there won’t be more retaliation.”
At this time, Sheriff Corpus has given no indication that he will resign.
She has vowed to keep her job and fight her opponents.
