Supervisors Consider Next Steps To Remove Bay Area Sheriff

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors will consider the results of a pre-removal conference with the sheriff and the probation officer at their Tuesday meeting.

John Keene, the San Mateo County chief probation officer, met with Sheriff Christina Corpus and her counsel for a pre-removal conference, following the removal procedures established last month.

During the conference, Corpus had an opportunity to respond to the allegations contained in the Notice of Intent to remove, which has not been released to the public due to objection from Corpus.

The board said the notice reflected results of an investigation that concluded the sheriff engaged in multiple acts of misconduct. Corpus denies all accusations.

Supervisors unanimously voted 5-0 on June 5 to remove the sheriff.

San Mateo County's Measure A, approved March 4, granted supervisors removal authority for reasons like legal violations or negligence.

Supervisors met April 8 to discuss removal and approved procedures May 6.

A notice of intent was sent to Corpus, who can appeal and request an evidentiary hearing.

External counsel Alfonso Estrada stated the process ensures "fundamental fairness."

However, a report commissioned by Corpus on April 25 by Judge Burke Strunsky challenges Measure A's validity and the Cordell report. SMC communications officer Marshall Wilson suggested this implies Corpus believes she's exempt from oversight.

Additionally, a May 22 independent investigation by the Board of Supervisors dismissed Corpus's misconduct accusations against a County executive.

Corpus named a new assistant sheriff on June 4.