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by Michelle Iracheta and Angela Swartz
San Mateo County believed in Christina Corpus. The county’s first Latina sheriff promised to be “a sheriff you can trust,” inspiring hope for a new era in county law enforcement. But a recent 400-plus-page independent investigation has painted a troubling picture of her leadership.
The report’s findings — detailing alleged abuses of power, homophobic and racist statements, retaliation against those who disagree with her, and an inappropriate relationship with her then-chief of staff — are not the actions of a leader who fosters public trust. To salvage the community’s faith in its institutions, we encourage Sheriff Corpus to step aside.
One might try to give her the benefit of the doubt, but it’s hard knowing that she refused to speak to the investigator, respected former Judge LaDoris Cordell over the months-long inquiry. Many of the same political allies who once backed Corpus now call for her resignation, apparently acknowledging that the office needs an opportunity to heal, restore trust and put transparency first.
San Mateo County residents had high hopes that Sheriff Corpus would bring integrity and accountability to an office scarred by past scandals. Her two predecessors left a troubling legacy — Sheriff Greg Munks was entangled in a brothel scandal that tarnished the department’s reputation, and his successor, Carlos Bolanos, became infamous for the “Batmobile saga,” in which deputy sheriffs, allegedly at his direction, crossed state lines to raid an Indiana business over a disputed car sale. Has Corpus proven herself any better?
If she remains in office, there could be a significant impact on public safety. For example, more deputies may quit or become demoralized and make mistakes in their work.
Her actions open the county up to millions of dollars worth of lawsuits based on alleged retaliation against employees. Her mismanagement is sucking time and energy from the Board of Supervisors that should be spent on other important efforts.
Supervisors are now crafting a charter amendment that would allow them to remove her from office. Sheriff Corpus, please save us all time and money by doing the right thing. Step aside and make way for professional management of our Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Corpus — it’s time to step down—for the good of your office and the future of our county.
Michelle Iracheta is the editor of the Redwood City Pulse.
Angela Swartz is the editor of the Almanac.
