By Grace Marion. Bay City News.
Listen to this note:
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors released a statement from Supervisor Ray Mueller on Friday, alleging that the San Mateo County Sheriff's Department's firing of Deputy Sheriff Ryan Monaghan appeared to be retaliation for Monaghan speaking to a judge about allegations against the sheriff's department.
Earlier this month, the board hired Judge LaDoris Cordell to investigate allegations against the sheriff’s department, just three days after holding a vote of no confidence against the department’s chief of staff. Cordell recently interviewed Monaghan.
The board believes Sheriff Christina Corpus learned of the interview shortly before firing Monaghan.
“The timing of the sheriff’s action and the information provided by Deputy Sheriff Monaghan suggest possible retaliation against Deputy Sheriff Monaghan for participating in Judge Cordell’s independent investigation,” Mueller said.
Corpus posted a response, denouncing the board's statement and describing it as “completely out of line.”
“Supervisor Muller’s statement is pure speculation,” Corpus said. “He should know the facts before speaking out on an issue as important as this. It appears he is just trying to get publicity, and that conduct is inappropriate, unprofessional and needs to stop.”
Corpus said when voters elected her sheriff, they entrusted her with making decisions about who serves on her executive staff.
“The coach chooses the team,” Corpus said. “That’s it.”
The San Mateo County District Attorney's Office is reviewing the situation, according to the board's statement. They also asked Cordell to investigate whether Monaghan suffered retaliation for participating in this independent investigation.
“The Board of Supervisors is prepared to take all legal steps necessary to preserve the integrity of the independent investigation and protect other witnesses interviewed by Judge Cordell,” Mueller said. “The investigation will continue and will not be impeded.”
The next board meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday at 400 County Center in Redwood City.
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