San Mateo Sheriff Corpus Defends Actions in Removal Hearing

San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus testified over multiple days in a high-profile removal hearing where county officials seek to oust her for alleged abuse of office, intimidation, retaliation against staff, and favoritism toward her close aide Victor Aenlle. Corpus described a longstanding hostile and sexist workplace culture within the Sheriff's Office, recounting early discrimination and harassment she faced as one of few women in the department. She denied any romantic relationship with Aenlle, who received promotions and a high-paying post under her leadership, asserting that his support was professional and necessary to assist her autistic son. Corpus challenged accusations of retaliatory job reassignments, stating that staffing changes were due to operational needs and that she had promoted some critics of her leadership. The county's case emphasized conflicts of interest and questioned Corpus's use of power to reward allies and punish detractors, including presenting evidence such as text messages about expensive gifts. Throughout the hearing, Corpus remained steadfast, positioning herself as a reformer battling entrenched discrimination while defending her management decisions and personal conduct.