San Mateo Sheriff Under Scrutiny Amid Allegations and Misinformation
In San Mateo County, the ongoing turmoil surrounding Sheriff Christina Corpus has intensified following an audit alleging misconduct within the Sheriff’s Office. The investigation, which featured testimony from 40 current and former department employees, raised serious concerns about internal operations, particularly the treatment of personnel and the misuse of departmental resources. Sheriff Corpus characterized the situation as a tangled web of misinformation that is damaging to the integrity of the sheriff’s office and harmful to those involved. “That’s what we’re dealing with here,” she told ABC7 News I-Team, underscoring the harsh impact of the "made-up garbage that goes viral."
A critical aspect of the report revealed significant lapses in security that were allegedly present when Sheriff Corpus took charge. Her chief of staff, Victor Aenlle, indicated that they were compelled to invest $800,000 in new security enhancements for the sheriff’s office, including a state-of-the-art key card system, metal detectors, and bulletproof glass. Aenlle elaborated on the enhancements, noting that the installation of a gun safe containing three suppressed rifles—each assigned a specific label—was part of a broader strategy to ensure staff safety during potential active shooter situations. While this decision was framed as a measure to improve safety, it later became a point of contention in the investigation.
The subsequent release of a 400-page report shed light on troubling allegations, including Aenlle’s improper possession of the rifles. Although the investigation, led by retired Judge LaDoris Cordell, cleared Sheriff Corpus of wrongdoing, it sustained accusations against Aenlle, given his position as a non-salaried officer, despite his qualifications as a reserve deputy. Aenlle defended his actions, explaining that they were motivated by a desire for protection amidst the perceived risks within law enforcement, particularly under the current climate of scrutiny and suspicion.
In the wake of the investigation’s fallout, Aenlle was removed from his position as chief of staff, stirring further controversy. After conversing with Undersheriff Dan Perea, Aenlle expressed fears of potential blame being assigned to him regarding the rifles and the erroneous narrative developing around him. "This is how they are going to try to get me," he warned, indicating a belief that the allegations were part of a broader attempt to tarnish his reputation and the sheriff’s office.
Following the revelations, a dramatic shift occurred on November 15 when Sheriff Corpus ordered the removal of the rifles from the safe, primarily to quell the swirling rumors and speculations regarding their status. This decision, however, triggered a deluge of unsubstantiated gossip within both the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff’s Department, leading to widespread but false reports of potential arrests of the sheriff and her chief of staff. Sheriff Corpus expressed her dismay at the caliber of misinformation circulating, which even reached her family and further added emotional strain amid an already turbulent environment.
As the Board of Supervisors prepares for a subsequent vote regarding the sheriff’s position, the situation remains fraught with tension. With the potential for removal on the table, Sheriff Corpus remains defiant, refusing to entertain resignation amid escalating scrutiny and unfounded allegations. “We’re dealing with a lot of made-up garbage that is very harmful to people,” she reiterated, as the community and investigators continue to navigate a storm of speculation and complexity in the unfolding saga of the San Mateo Sheriff’s Office.
