Sheriff files complaint against San Mateo County

The proposed amendment, Measure A, would “alter procedural or substantive protections, rights, benefits, and the employment status of Sheriff Corpus” and therefore “must be submitted to the voters at a ‘general statewide election,’” the complaint alleges. The complaint suggests the March date is not, by some definition, a “general statewide election,” which it states is solely the November Election Day.

County Attorney John Nibbelin said his office has received the petition and found it to be baseless and “seeking to deprive County residents of the opportunity to vote on the pending charter amendment measure.” 

“The petition lacks merit, both as to law, which it misapplies, and to the facts, which it misconstrues,” Nibbelin said in a statement. “We expect that the court will deny relief in this matter and that the election will proceed.” 

The complaint also claims supervisors Ray Mueller and Noelia Corzo have demonstrated bias against Corpus and therefore should be disqualified from participating in the matter. Both have been the spokespersons representing the board on the matter. 

“Such an election is a waste of time, money, and trust,” the complaint reads. 

The special election seeks voter approval granting the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors the authority to fire Corpus. The effort to expand the board’s jurisdiction and authority over an elected position within the county follows the public release of a scathing investigative report detailing evidence of corruption within the Sheriff’s Office executive team. 

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

Corpus has repeatedly stated she will not step down — despite nearly the entire sworn staff in the Sheriff’s Office, and local legislators and leaders — so the county is seeking other avenues to remove her.

Corpus’ attorney did not respond for immediate comment.