Bay Area Sheriff’s Removal Hearing Coming To An End

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — As the San Mateo County Sheriff’s administrative removal hearing is expected to finish on Friday, the County and the sheriff’s legal team are sparring for equal time with witnesses.

On Wednesday, the County of San Mateo clarified the presentation timeline for the removal hearing, of San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus.

Jan Little, lead attorney for the County, stated that each side has 35 hours for their case, including direct and cross-examinations. As of this morning, the County had used over 16 hours, and the Sheriff's representatives had used more than 18 hours.

“This clarification on how each party has used the allotted time to date, which was confirmed as accurate by the Sheriff’s counsel on the record, underscores the integrity of the process and reflects the efforts made to ensure the proceedings are fair, balanced, and transparent,” said Effie Milionis Verducci, a San Mateo County spokesperson.

Corpus's public removal appeal hearing began Aug. 18 in Redwood City's Hall of Justice, Courtroom 2M. Retired Judge James Emerson is presiding over the 10-day proceeding, expected to conclude on Friday.

Supervisors unanimously voted on June 24 to back removing Corpus, following a Measure A amendment passed in March 2025. This action stemmed from numerous complaints and investigations revealing misuse of authority, creating a high-level position for an unqualified associate, and fostering a retaliatory workplace, San Mateo County officials said.

Corpus appealed, initiating a formal hearing. Judge Emerson must submit a written opinion to the Board within 45 days, including factual findings and a recommendation on whether cause for removal exists.

On Wednesday, the defense team called San Mateo County Executive Mike Callagy and Sheriff Corpus's Undersheriff Dan Perea to testify before Judge Emerson.

Defense attorney Jim Lassart questioned Callagy about his role in the removal proceedings against Corpus and her former Chief of Staff Victor Aenlle. Callagy stated he terminated Aenlle's initial county contract because he believed Aenlle and Corpus were having an improper relationship after a trip to Hawaii.

Aenlle and Corpus have both testified that their relationship was not romantic. Aenlle stated that he scheduled his Hawaii trip to assist Corpus and her special needs son with their flights to and from Hawaii for a family wedding.

Undersheriff Dan Perea testified Corpus is well-liked and strongly supported by the public, especially in underserved areas.

Perea testified a group of captains met, took a vote, and demanded his and the Sheriff's resignations, citing a hostile culture and attempts to undermine them.

Corpus is expected to testify for the final time before closing arguments, with the hearing anticipated to conclude by Friday.