BY BRADEN CARTWRIGHT
Daily Post Staff Writer
All five captains have voted to declare no confidence in San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus, Undersheriff Dan Perea and chief of staff Victor Aenlle — the last three officials standing at the top of the office.
The rebuke against Corpus comes after the county released a damning report by retired Judge LaDoris Cordell about Corpus and her administration, including allegations of retaliation and abuse of power.
On Sept. 9, the unions representing deputies and sergeants in the Sheriff’s Office voted 306 to 12 to support a resolution saying they had no confidence in Aenlle.
Sheriff’s Capt. Frank Dal Porto said in an email to Corpus the captains tried to meet with Corpus on Monday to convey their position and formally request her resignation, but she wasn’t in the office. Dal Porto said the captains encountered Perea in the lobby, where they informed him of the vote.
“This letter serves as the official communication to ensure that our position is clearly understood, and we formally request that you, the undersheriff, and Victor Aenlle resign immediately,” Dal Porto said in an email to Corpus on Monday.
The other captains are Mark Myers, Eamonn Allen, Richard Cheechov and William Fogarty, according to pay records and social media posts.
Capt. Brian Philip resigned last week after refusing to arrest deputy union president Carlos Tapia for alleged time card fraud. Tapia turned himself in the faced increasing calls to resign after the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors released a report on Nov. 12 that said she had relinquished control of the sheriff’s office to Aenlle.
Aenlle is her alleged lover who has shown a disregard for the rules and a paranoid obsession with loyalty, retired Judge LaDoris Cordell said in her report.
Supervisors on Tuesday voted to put a measure on the March ballot that, if approved, would allow them to remove Corpus from office. Five state and federal officials have called for her resignation, but Corpus says she’s not going anywhere.
“I am undeterred. Our work will continue. The ‘good ol’ boys’ system has met its match in me. I will not back down,” Corpus said in a statement on Tuesday.
Most of original administration gone
Aenlle and Corpus are the last members of her original administration. Undersheriff Chris Hsiung resigned in June and was replaced by Dan Perea. Corpus tried to fire Assistant Sheriff Ryan Monaghan in September after Cordell interviewed him for her investigation. County Executive Mike Callagy blocked the firing, so Monaghan is on payroll but not in the office.
Monaghan was replaced by Assistant Sheriff Matthew Fox, who resigned last week.
Supervisors tried to eliminate Aenlle’s position last week, but Corpus said she was promoting him to assistant sheriff.
The following is the email Capt. Dal Porto sent to Sheriff Corpus on Monday on behalf of the sheriff’s five captains:
Dear Sheriff Corpus,
This letter serves as formal notification from the command staff of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office regarding a vote of no confidence taken over the weekend. The vote was unanimous, with all five captains voting in favor of expressing a lack of confidence in your leadership and that of Undersheriff Perea and Victor Aenlle.
Earlier today, we attempted to meet with you to convey our position and formally request your resignation, as well as the resignation of the Undersheriff. Unfortunately, you were not present in your office. Subsequently, we encountered Undersheriff Perea in the lobby, where I informed him of the vote and reiterated our request for both your resignation and that of the Undersheriff.
This letter serves as the official communication to ensure that our position is clearly understood, and we formally request that you, the Undersheriff, and Victor Aenlle resign immediately.
We hope that this matter is addressed with the seriousness it warrants, and we hope you will take the necessary actions to move forward.
Sincerely,
Frank Dal Porto, Captain
It is imperative that everyone stays focused on the facts that started this case. This HAS NOTHING TO do with Bolanos or Wozniak or ANY prior administration. Yes, some details around a personal inappropriate relationship between Aenlle and Corpus were brought to light.
HOWEVER, CHRISTINA CORPUS allowed someone that she can NOT be impartial to have wayyyy more power than he should- VICTOR AENLLE. There were several complaints from people that were IGNORED about not following policies and violating employment rights. Instead of listening to them and putting Aenlle on admin leave or investigating them; Corpus refused to believe ANY of them and said everyone was a liar except Victor. This manifested into MULTIPLE complaints and retaliation events that have escalated.
So much so that the Deputy Union filed a vote of no confidence. Followed by a PERP complaint, DSA and OSA filing a vote of no confidence because CORPUS will not MEET WITH THEM! Corpus then just turns a blind eyes and says she is the Coach she is in charge the unions mean nothing her.
The Board of Supervisors now have to investigate multiple complaints that are piling up with HR and hired a 3rd party investigator. This has lead to months of internal interviews and NOONE that called the judge was told they couldn’t participate. In fact 40 people participated. Corpus could have GIVEN dates that she was available instead flips this again on everyone else.
The report comes out and the Board of Supervisors and not state and federal LEADERS ALL ask for Corpus to resign. Corpus has caused chaos. Corpus has caused fear in her department. Corpus has created a HOSTILE environment the way she prances onto TV and Board meetings and rants off her thoughts and runs away. CORPUS is not communicating with unions, with the BOS or any leaders. How is any of this professional? How can a Sheriff work in an environment that NOONE trusts her. A Sheriff needs to know how to communicate and be professional. Corpus is not working for the county. Corpus is only creating more problems. This has nothing to do with the OLD Board of Supervisors or with gender or with being latina.
Step down Corpus. NOONE wants you to be Sheriff. You lied on TV, You lied to in your memos, you lie everyday
This has everything to do with the previous corrupt sheriff’s department under Carlos Bolanos. San Mateo county residents voted for Sheriff Corpus to clean up the corrupt sheriff’s department and she’s exposing their crimes. We don’t want the board of supervisors to steal our votes and destroy our constitutional rights. What are these supervisors so afraid of being exposed. The supervisors should all be impeached for trying to steal our votes and allowing the sexual abuse and the sex trafficking by Bolanos. This tells us the lack of moral character among these supervisors.
How much was Cordell Paid? the report could have been written by a junior high student. Report just gossip and hearsay by disgruntled employees/former..done anonymously without penalty of perjury.The majority of the report is just hearsay by ONE employee! An attorney would have a field day cross examining and impeaching any of these individuals. Cordell failed to use basic investigatory methods in the report. At most this is a human resource issue! The County recently paid a former female detective/SWAT 8 million dollars.She was actually wrestled to the ground by a Supervisor and touched in private parts!This happened while Bolanos was Sheriff. These are the good old boy that want Corpus out.Google the interview by KGO of former detective/swat memeber Baker. DISGUSTING! this happened during the Bolanos tenure…where was the board of supervisor or the union..or why didn’t the DA Wagstaffe(Bolanos budddy)
Stay Strong Christina! we elected you and support you! Perhaps time for a Rally of Support for you in front of the County Center. We appreciate what you have done and our doing for the community. Thanks for making San Mateo County of of the safest in California. San Mateo county is not used to having a Latina in a position of power.
Serious question, did you actually read the report? If you did, you would know that the majority of the report is not by “ONE” employee. ONE of the NUMEROUS allegations is primarily by one employee and even if we completely dismiss that allegation, are the rest of the allegations not concerning? She willingly allowed and enabled Aenlle to overstep his role and abuse his power without any repercussions. She has lost the respect and support of her own staff because of her OWN selfish actions.
Stop trying to make this about her being Latina when it is a direct reflection of a selfish leader and a narcissistic person. Is it not concerning that several people have stepped down from her executive team and that all five captains unanimously voted to declare no confidence against Corpus?
You stated that you appreciated what she has done for the community, can you actually name something she has done? Even if she has done some good, that does not outweigh all the problems and turmoil she has caused throughout the Sheriff’s Office and the community.
A true leader is willing to admit their fault and own up to their actions, Corpus will never be that leader.
The majority of the report is 40 people and one part is from this #3. I have read it. Unlike the sheriff sho doesn’t read. There are MANY omitted parts for confidential issues and VIDEOS evidence
Go ding dong yourself Aenlle enjoy your hole you dug
You’re referring to the Ladoris Cordell paid unprofessional slanderous statements report. Sheriff Christina Corpus is an elected official and is not the Supervisors employee. Nor should she be slandered and attacked by bad actors in the sheriff’s department or the 5 boardmembers Warren Slocum, David Canepa, Dave Pine, Mueller and Corzo. These bad 5 supervisors should be recalled for their attempts to slander the sheriff and steal our voter rights for 3 years.
The above comment is from Christina Corpus. Christina, how come you have time to respond to your critics on social media, but you won’t sit down with LaDoris Cordell, who is investigating your department? When you get the civil grand jury subpoena, will you blow that off too? Nobody is appreciating what you have done for the community, and nobody says San Mateo County is the safest county in the state. You and Victor are doing a disservice to Latino and Latina members of law enforcement. Stop it!
Latinos United – The fact that question Judge Cordell’s work suggests that you know nothing about her qualifications and experience. Your comment is therefore laughable. Either that, or you’re actually the Sheriff’s boyfriend, because those two Latinos are DEFINITELY “United”!!!
“ Latinos United “ was clearly written by you Aenlle. Who else uses the played out “good ole boy tag line “ incessantly every day other than your girlfriend.
Corpus and Victor are the example of the good ole boys culture: corruption, lies , homophobia and racism.
Is everyone OK this guy who is not a sworn Deputy had access to a silenced rifle? And now he has asked the undersheriff to change the code to the safe to protect himself ? Why does Corpus keep standing by this loser?
We can’t go back in the past and hash over past boards or sheriffs .
This is now and we need to pay attention and come together , move forward .
We now have a BOD that isn’t going to allow this corruption . we should all be very relieved we have current leaders that are acting and support them.
The lawsuits have started and the sheriff and her tyrant Aenlle will cost us millions . That money could’ve gone to so many different resources for our community. Anyone that is not outraged by that needs to sit back and take a hard look at themselves.
Yup. You should do a rally of support. Sadly you’ll be by yourself. Even the Fixin people are done with your sheriff.
San Mateo residents elected sheriff Corpus and we won’t let the corruption in the board of supervisors and under the previous sheriff Bolanos dictate and undermine the will of the voters.
Merriam-Webster tells us, “the word cronyism evolved in the 19th century as a spin-off of crony, meaning ‘friend’ or ‘pal.’ In its younger days, cronyism simply meant ‘friendship,’ or ‘the ability to make friends.’ The word didn’t turn bad until the next century, when Americans started using it to refer to the act of playing political favorites. If cronyism is new to your vocabulary, perhaps you’re more familiar with the related term nepotism, meaning ‘favoritism based on kinship, especially in professional and political contexts.’”
The UK website Ethics in Policing dot-com describes, “Definition of Noble Cause Corruption – Noble cause corruption in policing is defined as ‘corruption committed in the name of good ends, corruption that happens when police officers care too much about their work. It is corruption committed in order to get the bad guys off the streets…the corruption of police power, when officers do bad things because they believe that the outcomes will be good.’ (Crank & Caldero) Arrogance and weak supervision contribute to the degree of noble cause corruption found in any police organisation or unit.”
US Supreme Court Justice Louis D Brandeis (1856—1941) is said to have written, “Experience should teach us to be most on our guard to protect liberty when the Government’s purposes are beneficent….The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in the insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well meaning but without understanding.”
“Always be able to look back and say, at least I didn’t lead no humdrum life.” —Forrest Gump
Nicely, perfectly written. Thank you.
Corpus had time to sit down with ABC7 news and give an interview, but would not make time to participate in the investigation she called for! At the special Board of Supervisors meeting a couple of weeks ago, the Board gave her another chance to be interviewed (under oath) and she walks away.
Corpus claims she is being bullied and discriminated against, but won’t participate in an investigation. Not sure I’m in favor of giving the Board more power to remove a Sheriff, rather she needs to step down and be recalled by the voters.
It will be interesting what the County does next. Civil Grand Jury, Board of Supervisors subpoena, DA review, CA DOJ review, etc.
Sheriff Corpus’ problems have nothing to do with her sex or face. She is incompetent. She was incompetent when she was “Chief” of Millbrae. She has no moral compass and is a stranger to the truth. When 96+% the DSA membership votes “no confidence” and your entire Command Staff does so, there’s a problem. Looks like the Sheriff should learn how to spell as well.
It sure seems like the vituperative anger towards her has deep underlying roots in something else. Where was this anger among deputy sheriffs during Operation Dollhouse incident? It’s bizarre.
Zaidiiiiiiiii aren’t you on stress leave
Another nail in the coffin of the Corpus Administration! At this point the ONLY ones who still have any confidence in Corpus are her midget boyfriend Victor, and that toxic piece of garbage Perea, who probably would leave too, but won’t because he knows no other Agency will EVER hire him! And the idea that LaDoris Cordell, a Liberal black female, is unfairly targeting Corpus because she’s “a woman of color” is so absurd as to be funny. Hit the road Christina, and take your “sparklies” with you! You are the worst Sheriff this County has ever had!
By the way, why hasn’t anyone interviewed this Angelo Constanzo guy who got a fake badge from Corpus and Victor. This is right on point with what took down a Sheriff or Chief in Southern California a number of years ago, and very similar to former Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith handing out CCW’s to political donors. It’s also a violation of California Penal Code Section 538d. Maybe he’d flip to avoid being convicted under the Section for impersonating a Peace Officer…
Another civilian recipient of a golden badge by Corpus and Victor was Jaydan_168. Victor keeps comping him to SAL events in the hopes the event will go viral for re-election publicity. With less than 2k followers, he’s no MrBeast. When he walks around now with his golden badge, people know he’s not a police officer because he’s a kid. However, one day he’ll be an adult, and with a badge, he could impersonate an officer.
Yet another BOS press conference and more leadership-level sheriff employees who lack all confidence in this worthless Sheriff and her merry band of idiots. Thank you Mueller, Corzo and the DSA! Wagstaffe, please step up and let the public know just how “false” the arrest of Deputy Tapia really was. As for Corpus, she’s a horrible wife, mother, co-worker, Sheriff and overall human!
For the PA Daily Post: The city council of San Carlos passed a resolution demanding the Sheriff resign.
Why would Corpus talk about bringing back Ed Barbarni? Is that mean the good old boy network? Ed hasn’t worked with any of the command staff at the SO that would be tragic!
Wasn’t Aenlle a donor for PAL at San Mateo and tried to work there too? Beware of this tragedy stop it- Victors club continues
Good to see all five captains are united in their belief the sheriff should be removed. Maybe if they get a new sheriff , four of the captains will make a recommendation the new sheriff open a 311.1 investigation into the 5th captain. No doubt one of those captains is feeling the pressure.
Where were these people when a high ranking officer was investigated for a disturbing felony and Munks and Bolans made headlines when they were found at a brothel in FBI sting with underaged trafficked girls. That is a shocking crime. Don’t understand the anger and double standard here. IS it because Corpus beat Bolanos?
Well they weren’t part of the OLD administration that is the point! This new administration is different and appointed by Corpus and they ALL have asked her to step down
Correction: “Bolanos” not Bolans. Also people calling for her resignation might want to think of the old adage”People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.” Just saying….
Maybe Bolanos was bad too but did Bolanos tell his unions they didn’t matter he is the coach and other ridiculous things?
Did Bolanos get a vote of no confidence and get asked to resign by his ENTIRE DEPARTMENT UNION- ALL of the unions deputies, sergeants, Captain
The board of supervisors, the state and federal legislatures, the town of san carlos the town of millbrae?
Are you listening Christina? Stop trying to make your buddy Barbarini come the SO Corpus – we don’t want any more of Victor’s buddies. Everyone knows your master plan and the corruption would continue.
Business as usual. Crony nepotistic power grabbing. Constitutional governments are tasked with protecting the people’s life liberty and property
Instead they protect their livelihood, their plans and their ill gotten against the good people who elected them or the thieves that installed them. Remove them by force, the only power they respect.
Her gold Sheriff’s badge just gets more tarnished as new revelations surface. Stop the bleeding and resign.
I find it amazing Victor, Christina and their supporters get on here and try to argue “but Carlos Bolanos”. I don’t care how good or bad Bolanos or Munks were, it doesn’t excuse your behavior and lies.
New leadership typically don’t trust established staff so they bring in people they trust to fill in. I don’t know if Mrs. Corpus in an inappropriate dynamic with another person but is the prohibition stipulated in the hiring process like they do in a college between professor and student ?
Cubans are very affectionate people . Like in many other cultures people kiss on the cheek , lips as greetings . Yes , there are other cultures in America not just Americans or people that have not lost their roots.
All people don’t accept LTBGQ communities due to religious and personal beliefs. I am sure that many of you have made slurs against this community but you are not in public office to get called out for it.
While I am accepting of all individual to express their individual selves , using this is reason ia just finding every reason to get rid of someone.
This whole ordeal should teach us all about company culture. If you come in and shake things up , people will want you OUT! If you stick with the old established system, you might be liked and favored to stay.
In government agencies in face in the USA there are labor laws, rules and policies and procedures to follow. Whether you are latin, black, white, asian, cuban, man, woman, gay, straight etc etc if you break those laws and rules while “shaking” things up you have consequences.
Being honest and upholding the law is something with stronger penalties for people who swear by their badge. I
Sheriff Corpus has been dishonorable and lied and manipulated many many people. Corpus made many many bad choices and made this so complicated that the unions had to step in and ask for help, the board of supervisors stepped in and now state and federal legislators and city managers.
If you do not under that this goes beyond 40 people in a report and has impacted the department and county. This is a tragedy and so sad that one woman is putting powers into one unqualified man and defending him to inappropriate degrees. Anyone who violates HR issues should be disciplined not ignored and called a liar.
This is because of Corpus and her terrible choices. If you have any self respect resign Corpus. Enough.
Once upon a time I myself thought this woman was going to lead the agency into a better place instead she took a 180 degree turn and spiraled into a bad dark place. Corpus did this! She must now have consequences especially for resisting what the people are asking.
She thinks a few months from now people will forget. The people will remember and vote her out in March
I think there should be some type of a hearing or a departmental trial held within the county where all witnesses can give testimony under oath and any evidence can be presented at that time. A person is innocent until proven guilty
There needs to be some type of a what it would call a civil service. Hearing a interdepartmental trial where all witnesses are called placed under oath testimony is given. Transcripts are made. Evidence is prevent presented and then the final results are made public.
Then a measure place on the ballot and let the people know exactly what happened and what went on regarding the trial and let them make the determination to give the county the right to remove the sheriff.