San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus faces a historic removal process that could make her the first elected California sheriff removed by a county board. The hearings have stretched almost two weeks and involved disputes over budget and labor issues. Testimony has included accusations against former chief of staff Victor Aenlle of an inappropriate relationship and usurping powers, and allegations that County Executive Officer Mike Callagy interfered in administration and labor matters, which he denied. Corpus faces a civil grand jury accusation alleging misconduct and Measure A, which allows the Board to remove a sheriff through 2028. A 400-page Cordell report intensified calls for ouster. Defense witnesses and supporters presented a more positive view of Corpus' leadership, countering claims that the sheriff's office was in disarray. A contractor testified that Corpus is graceful and patient in meetings.
Facing a historic attempt that could make her the first elected sheriff in California removed by a county board, San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus brought allies and supporters to the stand Thursday to defend her leadership as ongoing removal hearings near their end. The hearings, which have stretched to almost two weeks, have been highlighted by intrigue, and disputes over budget and labor issues.
They have also featured testimony from high-profile figures, including former chief of staff Victor Aenlle, who testified Tuesday and is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with Corpus and of usurping sheriff's powers - allegations both deny. County Executive Officer Mike Callagy also has testified, after Corpus accused him of interfering in her administration and in labor matters between the office and unions. He denied those accusations.
Corpus faces two efforts to oust her: a civil grand jury accusation filed in June alleging misconduct and abuse of power; and Measure A, a voter-approved initiative passed in March that gave the Board of Supervisors authority to remove a sheriff through 2028, which triggered the current removal hearings. Last year, the county released a 400-page investigative report by retired Judge LaDoris Cordell, which intensified calls for the sheriff's ouster.
Thursday's testimony featured members of Corpus' executive team and community supporters who remain within her circle even after the release of the Cordell report. The testimonies appeared to present a more positive view of Corpus' leadership by defense attorneys, countering the county's efforts to depict the sheriff's office as being in "disarray" under her tenure. Manjit Sappal, a contractor hired Jan. 6 to advise on organizational management and cost-saving strategies,
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