San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office investigating sexual assault in correctional facility

The assault occurred around 3:30 p.m. Dec. 2, the Sheriff’s Office said. 

“Incidents of violence within our correctional facilities are not tolerated and are investigated to the fullest extent,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “The safety of all persons within the care of our correctional facilities remains our highest priority.”

The case was given to the District Attorney’s Office and is currently under investigation, District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said. 

Considering the suspect is already looking to serve time and is incarcerated, Wagstaffe said there’s not a pressing time crunch to conduct the investigation and it will be done thoroughly. He said course of action and pursuant of a charge will likely be done by the end of the week. 

Fixin’ San Mateo, a nonprofit organization, has long advocated for a permanent inspector general and independent oversight of the Sheriff’s Office. Nancy Goodban, executive director of the organization, said regardless of the details of the case, she supports Corzo’s request. 

“We hope the board will take this opportunity to make this a permanent thing,” Goodban said. “You can’t just bring someone in temporarily over and over again.” 

An ongoing, dedicated inspector general would provide a “steady, transparent avenue for addressing concerns, empowering deputies to report issues, and fostering a culture of integrity and accountability,” a press statement from Fixin’ San Mateo read.

Goodban noted the county has now asked twice in the last six months for external support in regards to matters of the Sheriff’s Office. 

The Boards of Supervisors obtained retired Judge LaDoris Cordell in June to conduct a human resources investigation into the office’s administration.