San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus testified in a two-week removal hearing, defending her leadership and denying misconduct allegations that could remove her. She described emotional pressures of leading an 800-person agency and affirmed commitment to incarcerated people, community members and those without a voice. She faces a civil grand jury accusation alleging misconduct and abuse of power and Measure A, which gives the Board of Supervisors authority to remove a sheriff through 2028. Hearings examined leadership style, personnel decisions and department culture, linked to a 400-page investigative report by retired Judge LaDoris Cordell. Corpus denied retaliation and misuse of authority, citing resistance to reform and political interference.
San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus testified for the final time Friday as her two-week removal hearing concluded, defending her leadership and denying misconduct allegations that could cost her the position she has held since 2023. Corpus, who became emotional while describing the pressures of leading an 800-person agency, said she remains committed to her work despite calls for her resignation.
What brings me to work every day is the commitment to the office, incarcerated people, community members, and people who don't have a voice, she said in response to a question from her attorney, Thomas Mazzucco. The sheriff faces two efforts to remove her: a civil grand jury accusation filed in June alleging misconduct and abuse of power; and Measure A, a voter-approved initiative passed in March that gave the Board of Supervisors authority to remove a sheriff through 2028.
The hearings have examined her leadership style, personnel decisions and department culture, with much of the scrutiny stemming from a 400-page investigative report released last year by retired Judge LaDoris Cordell. Corpus has repeatedly denied claims that she retaliated against critics, misused her authority or fostered a toxic workplace, arguing instead that entrenched resistance to reform and political interference particularly from County Executive Mike Callagy have undermined her leadership.
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