San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus, the first woman and Latina to hold the office, has been removed from her position following a scandal that involved a romantic relationship with her appointed chief of staff and allegations of professional misconduct. The decision to remove Sheriff Corpus came after an in-depth investigation which culminated in a unanimous vote by the county board on October 14, 2025.
Elected in 2022, Sheriff Corpus' tenure was marred by controversy when it was revealed that she had engaged in an intimate relationship with Chief of Staff Victor Aenlle, who was paid an annual salary exceeding $246,000. The relationship and subsequent actions led to a thorough investigation by retired Superior Court Judge James Emerson. A comprehensive 408-page report by Judge LaDoria Cordell supported the findings, stating that Corpus maintained a relationship with Aenlle that went beyond professional boundaries.
Further findings included the ordered arrest of a sheriff deputies’ union president, which was deemed unlawful, and retaliation against a captain who questioned the legality of that arrest. These actions contributed to a pattern of secrecy, intimidation, and retaliation within the sheriff's office, leading to systemic concerns.
Public sentiment shifted significantly against Sheriff Corpus, as demonstrated in a March referendum where 84 percent of voters supported Proposition A, enabling the Board of Supervisors the authority to remove her from office. This public decision was a clear indication of the erosion of trust in Corpus' leadership. The subsequent unanimous vote by the board resulted in Corpus' immediate dismissal, the first of its kind in the county’s history.
Interim Sheriff Dan Perea was appointed to lead the department following the dismissal. The focus now lies on rebuilding trust and ensuring ethical leadership in the sheriff's office.
Sheriff Corpus has denied any wrongdoing and has filed a $10 million lawsuit against San Mateo County, citing racial discrimination. Despite her claims, evidence presented during the investigation included text messages confirming the affair, luxury gifts exchanged, and the promotion of Aenlle despite his lack of formal deputy training.
During her removal hearing, Sheriff Corpus remained resolute, expressing that her removal from office would not deter her from her purpose. She claimed her actions were an attempt to dismantle the "good ol’ boys" network within the department. However, critics argue that her behavior contravened professional ethics and damaged public confidence.
The case has sparked renewed discussions on accountability in law enforcement, particularly for leaders who break new ground in their roles. The ramifications of ethical breaches by those in positions of power resonate throughout their organizations and communities, affecting morale and the perception of departmental integrity.
For San Mateo County, the challenge is to learn from this episode and enhance accountability, transparency, and oversight to prevent repeats of such incidents. As the county turns the page on this tumultuous chapter, the quest for better governance and ethical leadership continues.
