More command changes at San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office

Corpus is dealing with a vote of confidence in Chief of Staff Victor Aenlle by the Deputy Sheriff’s Association and the Organization of Sheriff’s Sergeants. The chief of staff position is a new one to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, converted from a similar assistant sheriff position by Corpus when she brought on Aenlle. Judge LaDoris Cordell is looking into alleged misconduct and workplace concerns.

Supervisor Ray Mueller sent out a press statement on behalf of the Board of Supervisors saying he learned Monaghan was fired and that he was interviewed by Cordell in her investigation.

“The county is informed and believes the sheriff recently became aware Assistant Sheriff Monaghan was interviewed by Judge Cordell in her investigation. The timing of the sheriff’s action and information provided by Assistant Sheriff Monaghan suggest possible retaliation against Assistant Sheriff Monaghan for participating in Judge Cordell’s independent investigation,” according to the statement.

The San Mateo County Attorney’s Office is reviewing and the Board of Supervisors is prepared to take all legal actions necessary to preserve the integrity of the independent investigation and to protect other witnesses interviewed by Judge Cordell, according to the statement.

“The investigation will continue and will not be obstructed,” according to the statement.

Corpus sent out her own press statement after Mueller’s saying his was “completely out of line” and “pure speculation.”

“When the people of San Mateo County elected me sheriff, they entrusted me to make decisions about who I include on my executive staff,” the statement said. “The coach picks the team. Period.”

Corpus is also under fire for alleged unfair labor practices as a result of workforce shortages.

This executive team change is not the first in recent history. Dan Perea was named second in command as undersheriff in June, replacing Chris Hsiung, who served in the role for just over a year. 

Also in June, Richard Cheechov was named as a new police chief to oversee the Coastside Patrol Bureau, replacing Rebecca Albin, who left to pursue another law enforcement opportunity after nearly three years in the position. 

Monaghan was previously the chief of the Tiburon Police Department and a 26-year veteran of the San Mateo Police Department. He was sworn in to the position, alongside Hsiung, in February 2023.