San Mateo County sheriff defends decision to place sergeant on leave

“Any suggestion to the contrary is both irresponsible and reckless, and it undermines the integrity of the internal affairs processes that govern all public safety personnel,” Corpus said. 

In the message, Corpus referenced an article July 12, in the Daily Journal, “San Mateo County sheriff places witness on administrative leave,” and alleged several details included were “misleading or factually inaccurate.” 

When asked Monday for further comment, Corpus said she could not respond since it was a personnel matter. 

Corpus’ message said recent media coverage has “reflected a disturbing pattern: the selective use of information, false narrative, and personal attacks to erode public confidence and obstruct progress.” 

“These tactics are not new — but they are wrong. I will not be deterred by efforts to weaponize the press or internal complaints in service of political agendas,” Corpus wrote.

Fava was placed on administrative leave July 10, according to his lawyer Charles Stone. 

On July 2, a massive file of documents relating to the case against Corpus was released publicly, which included Fava’s testimony to a law firm investigating what laws in the county charter Corpus had violated. The law firm, Keker, Van Ness & Peters, detailed its findings in a formal notice of intent including the grounds for her removal, on behalf of the Board of Supervisors. 

Fava was a key witness in the notice of intent, particularly in regards to allegations that Corpus has failed to efficiently handle internal disciplinary matters. 

Corpus has a pattern of retaliating against Sheriff’s Office personnel who she perceived to threaten her authority, and “hinders or neglects other disciplinary matters” that at times “appears motivated by favoritism,” the law firm concluded in the notice of intent.

The next step in the Board of Supervisors’ adopted removal proceedings will be an under-oath evidentiary hearing held in front of retired Judge James Emerson, set to be held from Aug. 18 to Aug. 29.

A separate accusation by the San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury also alleges Corpus retaliated against employees whom she believes opposed her authority. The civil grand jury has the authority to formally accuse an elected official and seek their removal from office; this process is independent from the supervisor’s removal proceedings.

Stone said on Friday that the timing of the administrative leave notice was “interesting, to say the least.” 

In Monday’s message, Corpus did not explain why Fava was placed on administrative leave, citing personnel confidentiality, but said the Sheriff’s Office values transparency and fairness. 

“I was elected to lead with integrity, to modernize the Sheriff’s Office, and to ensure accountability across all levels,” Corpus wrote. “I will continue to fulfill that responsibility — regardless of external pressure or political noise.”