San Mateo County outlines steps to remove sheriff

“The results of this historic election send a clear message, that San Mateo County voters continue to make educated decisions and trust the Board of Supervisors to uphold accountability and justice,” Mueller said. 

With 20.7% voter turnout, Measure A appears to pass with 85.22% voter support, as of election night. With the approval of Measure A, the county’s charter will be amended to grant the Board of Supervisors the authority until Dec. 31, 2028, to remove an elected sheriff from office with a four-fifths vote of the board for just cause, including neglect of duties, misappropriation of public funds or obstructing an investigation. 

In a press statement, Corpus addressed the passage of Measure A — which demonstrates voter support for her removal — and said she continues to be “as proud as I was 23 years ago when I first donned the uniform.” 

“As far as for me, I will not resign and will continue to do my job as Sheriff and continue to keep the residents of San Mateo County safe,” Corpus wrote in the statement. “My record in public service has been pristine, not only in enforcing the law but also respecting it.”

Speaking in a reserved manner and refusing to take any questions, the supervisors assured that procedures will be made clear as the votes get certified to ensure a “public, impartial and lawful process,” Mueller said. 

The chief elections officer must certify election results by April 3. Once the board approves the election results, the amended charter will become effective 10 days later, Corzo said. Then, a public hearing can proceed. 

“We want to assure our residents that the services of our Sheriff’s Office will continue uninterrupted throughout this process, and we will move forward as quickly as possible in the best interest of the people of San Mateo County,” Corzo said. 

The county has a scheduled regular board meeting April 8, the first meeting following the certification of election results. The next scheduled board meeting is April 22, which would be after the charter amendment would go in effect, and likely the earliest possible date for a public hearing to take place. 

The charter amendment states that the elected sheriff must be given a written statement as to the grounds of their removal, as well as given a reasonable opportunity to defend themselves in the hearing. 

Corpus has hardly spoken publicly, and never under oath, in defense of the allegations against her. When invited to do so by the Board of Supervisors in November, she refused. 

The Board of Supervisors does have subpoena power, but did not suggest whether it would use this method to hear Corpus out.

However, in the press statement, Corpus said she is just now able to “appropriately challenge and prove the allegations against me and my administration.” 

“I am now entitled to a public evidentiary hearing before a neutral and unbiased body,” Corpus wrote in the statement. “My legal team and I look forward to this opportunity and are confident that I will be vindicated through a legitimate process.” 

Dissatisfaction in Corpus’ tenure has grown significantly in the past year, including deputies and sergeants raising concern over union busting and a scathing independent investigation into her administration by retired Judge LaDoris Cordell. The investigation resulted in an over-400-page report detailing evidence of corruption, nepotism and retaliation. 

The District Attorney’s Office is investigating the alleged criminal offenses outlined in the report, and will be releasing its findings soon. 

No information on Corpus’ possible successor, and how they would be chosen, has been discussed publicly by county officials or Sheriff’s Office personnel.