San Mateo supervisors host special meeting to decide removal of Sheriff Christina Corpus

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors will meet Tuesday to vote on Sheriff Christina Corpus's potential removal after a misconduct investigation. Chief Probation Officer John Keene formally recommended her removal based on an independent investigation conducted by Keker, Van Nest & Peters LLP, which yielded over 500 pages of evidence and 42 witness interviews. The board's June 5 approval of a Notice of Intent to Remove outlines several alleged violations, including neglect of duty and obstruction of an investigation. A four-fifths vote from the five-member board is required for her removal. Corpus made history in 2022 as the first woman and Latina sheriff of San Mateo County, pledging to reform the department and enhance transparency.

However, her leadership has faced scrutiny over allegations of workplace misconduct and retaliation. She has denied the allegations and filed a lawsuit against the county, claiming the removal process violates her due process rights. The outcome of the vote could set a precedent under Measure A, which permits the board to remove a sheriff for cause with a supermajority vote through 2028.