San Carlos joins chorus against Sheriff Corpus

San Carlos councilmembers join a long list of legislative leaders, county officials and nearly all sworn staff within the Sheriff’s Office in calling for Corpus’ resignation. The litany of complaints follow the public release of a scathing investigative report detailing evidence of corruption within the office’s top brass. 

An investigation conducted by retired Judge LaDoris Cordell outlined substantial evidence of retaliation, abuse of power and conflicts of interest within Corpus’ administration.

In a letter to employees of the Sheriff’s Office and the community, Corpus said calls for her resignation “undermine the will of the voters” and “pose a threat to the independence of this Office.”

“This moment challenges not only my leadership but the independence and integrity of this Office,” Corpus wrote. “I will not step down, nor will I allow this institution to be politicized or influenced by special interests.” 

San Carlos City Manager Jeff Maltbie said weighing in on the matter is important to honor this partnership and support the deputies that serve the city by “[lending] their voice another microphone.” 

“The men and women who have served our community for the last 15 years are a part of this organization, part of this community,” Maltbie said. “They are there to respond to our worst days and it’s a tough job. They’re calling for help.” 

Sheriff’s deputies began raising concern over their work conditions with a formal complaint filed with the Public Employment Relations Board in September over unfair labor practices. Shortly after, a vote of no confidence was held against former chief of staff Victor Aenlle who they contend fostered a “culture of fear” within the Sheriff’s Office. 

Corpus said in her letter that her administration “set out to reform an institution once marred by past scandals and costly discrimination litigation.” 

However, one of the allegations against Corpus include her use of racist and homophobic slurs — the latter substantiated with forensic analysis of text messages after Corpus said a screenshot of the exchange was fabricated.

This threat to morale within the office is a cause for concern, Councilmember Ron Collins said. The well-being of the deputies who work in San Carlos is the business of the council, he said. 

“I believe it is time for [Corpus] to at least acknowledge the damage that is being done to the county in terms of public safety, public trust and confidence, and the county’s treasury, and resign immediately,” Collins said. 

Staffing also raises concern specifically to San Carlos, Rebecca Mendenhall, director of Administrative Services for the city, said. 

“While the Sheriff’s Office has been able to maintain our staffing levels as outlined in our agreement, it is uncertain if this will be sustainable given the staffing issues and the significant turnovers in leadership,” Mendenhall said. 

Since Corpus entered office, at least 106 sworn staff left the agency, and only approximately half of those were retirement eligible. There has also been a notable turnover in the executive team, with the resignations of former Undersheriff Chris Hsiung and former Assistant Sheriff Matthew Fox, and the firing of former Assistant Sheriff Ryan Monaghan. 

Currently, Corpus’ executive team remains just Undersheriff Dan Perea. Corpus attempted to promote Aenlle to assistant sheriff in an effort to keep him within the executive team after the Board of Supervisors abolished his former position, but county counsel is investigating whether his promotion was legal. 

Corpus will announce the new assistant sheriffs once the hiring processes are complete.

“I am moving forward with a restructured leadership team,” Corpus wrote. “Assistant Sheriffs, together with Undersheriff Dan Perea, will lead with a renewed focus on restoring internal and external relationships while driving forward our strategic initiatives.” 

The city has had a long partnership with the Sheriff’s Office, and has contracted services through the county since 2010. The agreement has been renewed twice, with the current contract expiring June 2025. 

Capt. Mark Myers, chief of police in San Carlos, joined four fellow captains in calling for Corpus’ resignation last week.

Members of the San Mateo City Council also weighed in on the matter at their recent Nov. 18 meeting, individually making comments in support of the county’s ongoing investigation. Councilmembers ultimately agreed with staff direction to not move forward with a formal resolution declaring this support. 

San Mateo Mayor Lisa Diaz Nash said she supports the Board of Supervisors in calling for Corpus’ resignation and did so “very sadly, but with a strong voice.” 

“This is an opportunity to walk the walk, I believe,” Diaz Nash said. “I believe Sheriff Corpus should resign immediately and I’m saying that on my own accord.”