After an hour and a half, the Board of Supervisors of the San Mateo County unanimously decided to declare the county's first Latina sheriff, Christina Corpus, "untrustworthy," and asked her to resign from her position, all following a 400-page independent report prepared by former Judge LaDoris H. Cordell.
The report alleged that current San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus had abused her power by engaging in inappropriate relationships with her chief of staff, Victor Aenlle, improperly promoting him due to this conflict of interest, and by using racist and homophobic slurs in the workplace.
The supervisors opened the floor for public comment, with many people expressing support for Sheriff Christina Corpus, and others saying they would like to appoint a permanent inspector general to ensure transparency and accountability for current and future county sheriffs.
Redwood City resident Drew said, “From an outside perspective, I’m not an exporter or anything, but I think this is happening very, very fast. Considering the investigation only just came to light. It seems drastic to ask for immediate resignation… I’m not saying he hasn’t done anything unethical, but the civil rights violations I’ve heard about are alleged, but not necessarily confirmed.”
What seemed like an unexpected surprise appearance among supervisors and the public to make a public comment was Sheriff Christina Corpus herself, who said that ?what has occurred over the last few days is disgusting. I will not allow the board to threaten me and try to fire my chief of staff without cause. This investigation was politically motivated and one-sided. It was filled with lies. That is why, immediately, I am appointing Dr. Victor Aenlle as a deputy sheriff. I am the sheriff of this county. I answer to the people of San Mateo County who elected me! I will not be intimidated!?
Following her statement, she walked out of the board of supervisors meeting with Supervisor Ray Mueller shouting, "Sheriff Corpus, will you agree to testify before Judge Cordel!? Sheriff Corpus!?"
Before leaving the room entirely, Sheriff Corpus replied, "Mr. Muller, when I have legal representation, I will answer that question!", causing many to gasp and gasp.
The board of supervisors proceeded to review the 400-page investigation, discuss the process of moving forward to present their case to the district attorney, and direct staff to prepare an ordinance for San Mateo County residents to vote on that would amend the San Mateo County Charter to allow supervisors to remove the Sheriff for cause.
Following the session, there was a press conference in which Supervisor Noelia Corzo attacked Sheriff Corpus' personal well-being without any evidence to support her claims. When a reporter asked how much of Sheriff Corpus' actions are due to her versus Mr. Aenlle's influence, Supervisor Corozo stated, "To a certain extent I fear for her safety, emotionally, physically, etc. but I can't say more than that because I don't have any concrete facts, but I am deeply concerned for her well-being."
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