In an unexpected move, details from the internal investigation into San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus have been made accessible to the public, exposing allegations of misconduct and corruption. Lawyers representing Corpus reportedly posted on the San Mateo County Superior Court website a set of documents meant to remain confidential, including a 59-page report from the law firm Keker, Van Nest & Peters, which investigated allegations against her. The County of San Mateo clarified that it was not involved in the release, stating, "The County of San Mateo, including its attorneys, did not post confidential court records related to the removal of Sheriff Christina Corpus on the San Mateo County Superior Court website."
These documents, now no longer under wraps, lay bare the reasons for recommending that the Board of Supervisors move forward with Corpus's dismissal. Details from the report include claims of unlawful actions by Corpus, such as appointing a chief of staff and executive director of the sheriff's office who was unqualified for the positions, and the use of antisemitic and other slurs. The Keker Report explicitly states, as per the Daily Post, "Throughout her tenure, Sheriff Corpus has violated laws related to the performance of her duties, flagrantly and repeatedly neglected her duties, and obstructed investigations into her conduct and at the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office."
Further information surrounding the controversy came to light when county officials reported the independent investigation conducted by Keker, Van Nest & Peters. This inquiry showcased serious infractions, such as Corpus's attempts to secure unwarranted pay raises for a staff member and her decision to appoint Victor Aenlle to a high-ranking position despite his lack of relevant experience and a questionable background. Furthermore, the report by retired Judge LaDoris Cordell, which preceded the Keker investigation, confirms a behavior unbecoming of a county sheriff, casting long shadows over the office's integrity and leadership.
As a result of these revelations, Chief Probation Officer John Keene recommended that the supervisors initiate the firing process, which the board subsequently accepted and unanimously accepted. The documents also revealed that Corpus solicited a restraining order to halt the removal process, which the San Mateo County Superior Court denied. Amid these dramatic developments, Corpus is now requesting a hearing, followed by another vote by the supervisors. However, the situation has been further complicated by a pending civil grand jury case against the sheriff, as reported by the Daily Post, with serious charges that could lead to her removal from office.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated for accuracy regarding the sheriff's current status.
