Former assistant sheriff files $5 million claim 

Corpus and Aenlle have been mired in controversy over the last few months, with the Deputy Sheriff’s Association and many local leaders calling for the sheriff’s resignation. 

Cordell’s 400-page report detailed evidence of corruption, nepotism and intimidation by Corpus and Aenlle and alleged the pair were involved in a personal relationship. 

While the Board of Supervisors has called on Corpus to resign, 84% of voters recently passed Measure A, which gives the board authority to remove an elected sheriff with a four-fifths vote, though the vote won’t be certified until April 3. 

The claim states that, after months of being intentionally left out of meetings and important discussions, Monaghan was told that he could not be trusted and was “not afforded any due process in this termination.” The claim states that Aenlle questioned Monaghan about his involvement in Cordell’s investigation process, which Monaghan viewed as trying to intimidate a witness. Corpus told him that Aenlle’s behavior was not inappropriate and the investigation was a “witch hunt,” the claim said. 

“Assistant Sheriff Monaghan came into this job with the highest and noblest aspirations to do what was best for the San Mateo County Sheriff’s [Office] and the community he loves so much, and he definitely feels very wronged by what we believe was unjustifiable and wrongful treatment by Corpus and Aenlle,” Charles Stone, Monaghan’s attorney who filed the complaint, said. 

This isn’t the first legal action targeted against Corpus and Aenlle. Last month, former Capt. Brian Philip, who resigned from the Sheriff’s Office in November, filed a lawsuit against San Mateo County alleging whistleblower retaliation, wrongful termination, gender discrimination and workplace violations under Corpus’ administration. Carlos Tapia — the Deputy Sheriff’s Association president and key whistleblower of the Corpus administration — filed a complaint on Feb. 21, prompted by similar grievances. Tapia was arrested without warrant for felony charges of time card fraud, though District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe previously said the arrest was wrongful and unnecessary. 

“I would imagine that similar allegations from multiple individuals may have a corroborating effect on each other,” Stone said.

Neither Aenlle nor Corpus replied to requests for comment.