(Read her letter: Page 1, Page 2.)
Maggie Cornejo resigned today (Aug. 19) as executive director of San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus’ Sheriff’s Activities League, saying in a scathing resignation letter that the organization has been crippled by politics and fear.
Cornejo’s resignation comes on the second day of a hearing to determine whether Corpus will remain as sheriff. She’s accused of nepotism, intimidation, retaliation and other forms of corruption.
Cornejo said a SAL board meeting last Thursday “epitomized the troubling culture of divisiveness and political paranoia that has come to define the SAL organization.”
She said things got so bad that several board members reached out to her afterward to acknowledge the inappropriate behavior of other board members.
“In my professional opinion, the organization should suspend fundraising efforts until it can demonstrate accountability and deliver meaningful and tangible value aligned with donors’ expectations,” Cornejo said in her letter.
SAL’s board includes DA Steve Wagstaffe, Corpus ally James Brown, Corpus friend and former chief of staff Victor Aenlle, Electricians Union leader Steve Booker and Mark Flegel of Flegel’s Home Furnishings, among others.
Cornejo had only been executive director of SAL since January. Here’s the press release Corpus issued upon Cornejo’s hiring.
SAL, located at 3151 Edison Way in North Fair Oaks, was founded in 1997 by former Sheriff Don Horsley with the goal of preventing juvenile delinquency with sports and other programs. SAL’s website says it serves about 3,500 youth a year.
SAL reported $950,000 in total revenue, consisting of contributions, grants and the proceeds of fundraisers in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, according to the most recent IRS nonprofit filings available.
I congratulate Ms.Cornejo for her candor and courage. It is interesting to see Undersheriff Perea being cited for the kind of bullying and abusive behavior that he he was well known for during his time at the San Francisco Police Department. Of course, one can also read between the lines as to the indenity of the one controlling member who is dominating the SAL Board – the little man with the big, big ego, Victor Anal. That guy should probably not even be allowed near kids, as he seems to poison everything he touches…
The same reasons I resigned as President of SAL. Not run like a real non~profit at all.
You were the President and you quit because of how it was run? LOL…
I understand Ms. Petrick also resigned a few months back, too. I wonder if they still have the same CPA that discovered and reported the embezzlement from the previous Executive Director Barbara Bonilla. Geez, I sure hope so. She knew what was right and took action.
Yes, it’s pretty common knowledge that as soon as the Sheriff took office, she hired an auditor to hopefully root out any residual issues. I don’t think the board is an issue, they seem to have worked hard to provide oversight, and if the ED abrubtly resigned after they met with her, there is definitely more to the story. Why would a person with nothing to hide resign and sling mud to the media?
Hmm, wonder if Cornejo is going to be a last-minute witness in Corpus’s appeal hearing?
I think that would be a wonderful idea. She could tell her story, fully and entirely. Then she can face cross examination. And the truth will be known.
SMC SAL has not be the same after the Director was arrested for “allegedly” stealing $25,000 from the league in 2020. Don’t remember if the money was ever recovered.
Isn’t Chairman James Brown the same guy who has defended Aenlle and Corpus on numerous occasions? If so, this is concerning as he shows a serious lack of judgment and ethics.
Have you actually spoken to Chairman Brown or any of the Board? The guy is pretty serious about oversight. From day one he pushed bylaws and a code of conduct, and had everyone sign after the Board discussed and adopted them. Everything he does, from what I’ve seen, is maybe even overdone, but in a good way. No doubt the ED under Bolanos (Bonilla) was a thief, and no doubt the Lt that replaced her had lots of issues. So I don’t doubt Ms. Cornejo felt pressure with him and the other board members holding her accountable. The reality is, even the longer-serving board members have been focused on making sure financial controls are in place and followed. That’s just responsible governance. Be careful slandering people, if you have proof put it up, otherwise do some research.
Wow, she went scorched earth in her resignation letter.
“In my professional opinion, the organization should suspend fundraising efforts until it can demonstrate accountability and deliver meaningful and tangible value aligned with donors’ expectations,” Cornejo said in her letter.
Her statement seems to indicate that the AG should perform a forensic audit of SAL asap to ensure that donations and grant funds are not being mismanaged.
DA Wagstaff has been on the board for decades; however, Barbara Bonilla was allegedly able to embezzle for years under his nose. It has been alleged that Sgt. Javier Acosta acted inappropriately with an underage SAL intern. The details of that allegation is in the Court lodgement Corpus’s attorneys failed to file under seal. Despite being on the board, Wagstaff has remained silent about that alleged incident. The AG needs to step up and look into SAL.
SAL needs an overhaul, period. There is a cancer on the board and it needs to be cut out.
Mr James Brown initially seemed to have good intentions, however when he continues to defend Corpus and that squid Aenlle ,I have to question his judgment and frankly his state of mind.
It seems that whenever Mr. Aenlle is involved—whether during his time at the Sheriff’s Office or now with SAL—there tends to be some sort of chaos. It makes one think, ‘Hmm… not again.’
Can’t we all just get along