San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus made her second court appearance today (July 21), this time entering and leaving from the public hallway.
Corpus caused a stir last week when she and her attorneys left court through the judge’s door and into a non-public hallway meant for judges and court employees. That way, she did not have to answer questions from the media.
After last week’s incident, Judge Stephanie Garratt, who oversaw the July 15 hearing, had a conversation with Sheriff’s Capt. William Fogarty, who relayed her thoughts to others in the Sheriff’s Office who staff the courthouse.
“She advised how angry and frustrated she is with the Undersheriff (Dan Perea) ordering Sgt. Chiu to move aside for the sheriff and her ‘entourage’ to talk by judge’s chambers,” Fogarty wrote. “She did not agree to that and was never approached. She would not and does not approve of that moving forward.”
Corpus was in court today for a 20-minute scheduling hearing, most of which occurred in Judge Mark McCannon’s chambers.
However, McCannon granted attorney Thomas Mazzuccco’s request that Corpus not attend every court hearing.
The charges
Corpus is facing four corruption charges, brought forward by the county’s civil grand jury.
The civil grand jury issued four accusations against Corpus, including one count of conflict of interest and three counts of retaliation. The conflict of interest allegation pertains to her decision to hire and supervise former Executive Director of Administration Victor Aenile, with whom she allegedly had an affair. Corpus and Aenile both deny having an affair.
The three counts of retaliation concern the termination of Assistant Sheriff Ryan Monaghan; the transfer of Capt. Brian Philip; and the arrest of Deputy Carlos Tapia, the president of the Deputy Sheriff’s union.
Corpus’ attorneys will be back in court on Aug. 6.
Supe’s removal process
Separately, the county Board of Supervisors intends to remove Corpus from office and is in the midst of a termination process. Hearing officer, county Probation Chief John Keene, recommended her termination and the board voted unanimously on June 24 in support of that recommendation.
Supervisors scheduled the hearing for Aug. 18-29. Corpus requested that the hearing be held behind closed doors.
Last week, the board received a letter from the First Amendment Coalition threatening to sue the county if it keeps the removal hearings closed to the public.
County officials believe the removal process should be “fully transparent,” said county spokeswoman Effie Milionis Verducci. She pointed out that Corpus has opposed holding open hearings in the removal process. The county granted Corpus’ request to keep the hearings private.
Mazzucco has said previously that she has the right to keep the hearings private under the Peace Officer Bill of Rights, a set of state laws that give police certain rights in disciplinary and criminal proceedings.
The First Amendment Coalition says since Corpus is an elected official, Mazzucco’s argument doesn’t apply.
A thought bubble for above Christy’s head. “What countries don’t have extradition treaties with the United States?”
I’ve seen four “memes” based on last week’s Jumbotron Kisscam incident: Trump & Hillary, Bill & Monica, a couple of male sportscasters, and a couple of baseball mascots. In each, the one in front covers their face and turns to the right, then the one behind finds himself with full moon and empty arms so dives to the left.
I don’t know how to use ChatGPT to manufacture a video, but use your imagination and visualize Tina covering her face and Vic scurrying like a cockroach.
what a case study of self-destructive behavior
Even if by some MIRACLE Corpus remains in office. She will never have the respect of her peers. She’ll have no future as a law enforcement executive in California. More importantly, what steps will she take to regain and build the trust, the support and the confidence in her leadership from the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office?