San Mateo County Sheriff Corpus resists calls to resign after report describing homophobic texts
San Mateo County lawmakers are placing new pressure on Sheriff Christina Corpus to step down following a damaging report alleging widespread misconduct by the Sheriff's Office, which includes reference to a series of text messages.
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors says a private company has concluded four text messages in which a homophobic slur was used were sent by Corpus.
"We were able to obtain the cellphone from the witness who received the texts and have that cellphone looked at forensically and what [forensic tech company] Cellebrite has concluded is that, in fact, those texts were sent from the sheriff's phone," said Supervisor Ray Mueller.
Corpus has questioned the authenticity of the text messages included in a more than 400-page report released earlier this month as a part of an independent investigation into the Sheriff's Office. The report found Corpus' office engaged in retaliation, intimidation, homophobia, racism and abuse of power.
"Sheriff Corpus has failed to protect the people and the employees of the Sheriff's Office including both sworn officers and civil employees," said Supervisor Noelia Corzo.
Mueller also revealed an internal memo he says shows Corpus' former chief of staff Victor Aenlle tried to get her undersheriff to change the code on a gun safe in the executive office after the county barred Aenlle from entering county facilities.
"At the time this request was made there was an active investigation taking place into whether or not he has access to these rifles," said Mueller.
Despite mounting calls for her to resign, Corpus is refusing to step down, calling these allegations "glaring lies." But earlier this week her own command staff gave her a vote of no confidence, sending her a letter in which they requested her, her undersheriff, and Aenlle to resign.
"New stand here today in appreciation for Supervisor Mueller and the Board of Supervisors for giving a voice to the voiceless in our organization," said Sheriff's Capt. Mark Myers.
In response, Corpus said in a prepared statement, "As Sheriff, my top concern is and always will be public safety. I am also working very hard at making sure there is harmony for the people who protect this community. Many here are understandably upset because of a broken system that has spread lies in an effort to remove their Sheriff. Some are not on board with my mandate to make changes and hold people accountable. While I am disappointed with the comments of the Captains, I am committed to moving forward, improving our workplace environment and healing relationships."