Bay Area Sheriff Takes The Stand During Removal Appeal Hearing: Report

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — The San Mateo County Sheriff took the stand Tuesday for the second day of her removal hearing in an attempt to defend herself against the county Board of Supervisors’ who want her removed, according to a report by KRON4.

Christina Corpus was asked questions relating to accusations of retaliation and a conflict of interest with her former Chief of Staff Victor Aenlle.

The administrative hearing, now on its second day and anticipated to last 10 days, was initiated by Corpus. She appealed the Board of Supervisors' unanimous decision in June to remove her from office.

A 400-page investigation by retired judge LaDoris Cordell, released by the county in November 2024, alleged that Corpus fostered a culture of intimidation and retaliation within the sheriff's office and had an inappropriate relationship with Aenlle.

The report sparked numerous calls for her resignation, but she remained defiant, arguing that she is a victim because she “didn’t kiss the ring” of the former administration under Sheriff Carlos Bolanos.

Instead of a recall, the Board of Supervisors placed Measure A on the ballot, a charter amendment to grant them authority to remove Corpus. Voters approved Measure A in March's special election. This hearing is a final stage in the county's process to oust Corpus, allowing her to address allegations.

Retired Judge James Emerson listened to Corpus's answers as she sat on the stand all day.

The County has retained Keker, Van Nest and Peters LLP to demonstrate grounds for the sheriff's removal. Per Section 412.5 of the county charter, "cause" includes violating laws related to duties, neglect, misappropriation, falsifying documents, or obstructing investigations.

During an earlier attempt to halt the removal proceedings, Corpus’s attorneys released the Keker Report, a 300-page court document filed in San Mateo County Superior Court on June 27 that said "Sheriff Corpus violated conflict of interest laws and neglected her duties," while she also "demonstrated a pattern of retaliating against [sheriff] personnel she perceives threaten her," and a top staffer.

On Tuesday, Jan Little, the firm's lawyer, attempted to prove Corpus and Aenlle were more than just close friends and that she retaliated against sheriff's office members for their role in the Cordell investigation.

Evidence was brought up including Corpus's visits to Aenlle's ranch, diamond earrings, a Hawaii trip, and text messages with Valerie Barnes, suggested an inappropriate relationship between Corpus and Aenlle, and that Corpus's marriage was troubled.

The Keker report also cited Barnes claiming the man had used cash to purchase luxury boots and a pair of earrings worth $12,000 for Corpus to avoid detection.

Corpus also tried to explain how she acquired a pair of diamond earrings that cost more than $8,000, saying she bought and paid for them with cash.

Little then addressed allegations that Corpus retaliated against several sheriff's office staff members.

Corpus denied that Assistant Sheriff Ryan Monaghan was fired due to his involvement in the Cordell investigation.

“I fired Ryan Monaghan for different reasons, not that reason,” Corpus said.

She argued that he was fired for allegedly leaking information to County Executive Mike Callagy.

Corpus, according to Little, ordered the arrest of sheriff’s union president Carlos Tapia. This action was allegedly taken because Tapia was an outspoken critic of Corpus and disagreed with her proposal to reduce double overtime pay during contract negotiations.

Corpus authorized Tapia's arrest in November 2024 for alleged timecard fraud, but San Mateo County DA Stephen Wagstaffe found no basis for charges in December.

Corpus denied retaliation, stating Tapia's arrest was unrelated to his union role. She testified then-Assistant Sheriff Matthew Fox found probable cause for the arrest.

During cross-examination, Corpus' attorneys attempted to explain away allegations. Attorney Tom Perez's cross-examination of Corpus saw her appeal to emotions, discussing personal and professional difficulties as a Hispanic woman in law enforcement, including a degrading comment from an older deputy during her first shift.

Corpus testified that she aimed to implement "21st-century policing" within the sheriff's office, a vision supported by Aenlle but met with contention from supporters of the previous sheriff.

She argued that this philosophy involves adapting traditional law enforcement to modern times and that civilian employees like Aenlle in leadership roles are part of this approach, allowing the hiring of qualified individuals regardless of their tenure. Corpus emphasized the importance of trusting one's team and stated she would not have demanded a predecessor fire their assistant sheriff, despite potential disagreements.

Cross-examination of Corpus by her attorneys will continue on Wednesday.

Read the full story at KRON 4.