San Mateo Sheriff Accused of Misconduct, Faces Removal Process

San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus faces serious allegations of misconduct following a month-long civil grand jury investigation that included testimony from 32 witnesses. She was accused of one count of conflict of interest related to hiring Victor Aenlle, her alleged boyfriend and former chief of staff, and three counts of retaliation involving the firing, transfer, and arrest of key sheriff's office personnel, including Deputy Carlos Tapia, president of the Deputy Sheriffs' Association. These accusations follow an independent report highlighting abuse of power, racial and homophobic slurs, nepotism, false arrest, and retaliation under her leadership. Despite unanimous Board of Supervisors' support to remove her under Measure A, which was approved by 84% of voters in March 2025 allowing removal of a sheriff for cause, Corpus refuses to resign and has filed a $10 million lawsuit against the county alleging discrimination and harassment. The removal process is ongoing and Corpus is scheduled to appear in court to answer the accusations, where she is entitled to a jury trial. Local leaders and the Deputy Sheriffs' Association continue to call for her resignation, citing a toxic working environment and a culture of fear and retaliation.