Conference set for civil grand jury accusation against San Mateo County sheriff

At civil conferences, both parties and their respective attorneys typically have a chance to discuss the case, exchange evidence or discuss a settlement agreement. 

Corpus was formally accused by the civil grand jury June 27. The accusation included conclusions made following a monthslong hearing where 32 witnesses, including Corpus, testified under oath. This is the first time such a record of evidence regarding the sheriff has been provided by any involved party under penalty of perjury. 

The misconduct alleged include one count of conflict of interest for the hiring and supervision of Victor Aenlle, Corpus’ former chief of staff with whom she allegedly had a romantic relationship. 

Other allegations include three counts of retaliation, including the firing of former Assistant Sheriff Ryan Monaghan, the transfer of former Capt. Brian Philip, and the arrest of deputy Carlos Tapia, the president of the Deputy Sheriff’s Association and key whistleblower against Corpus’ administration. 

Corpus’ attorney Thomas Mazzucco said in a previous statement that the allegation stems from “politically motivated complaints” raised by union leaders in the Sheriff Office. The sheriff’s legal team gave no additional comment on Tuesday. 

The county is being represented by attorney David Stein of the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office.

The Board of Supervisors is also going through removal proceedings with an under-oath evidentiary hearing held in front of retired Judge James Emerson, set to be held from Aug. 18 to Aug. 29. The board unanimously voted Corpus out of office at a special meeting June 24. The governing body was granted by voters in March the extended authority to remove an elected sheriff for just cause, a reaction to ongoing scandal and concern over Sheriff’s Office personnel operating under duress and fear of retaliation at the hand of their leader.