U.S. District Court Rejects Sheriff Christina Corpus’ Most Recent Attempt to Stop Measure A Removal Appeal Hearing, Set to Begin Aug. 18

Redwood City - Today, U.S. District Court Judge Vince Chhabria rejected the latest attempt by San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus to postpone or block the removal appeal hearing scheduled for August 18, 2025.

In a one-paragraph order, Judge Chhabria denied Corpus's motion to block the hearing, writing that he was "skeptical" she could prove the removal process violated her constitutional rights and that, even if she raised "serious questions" about her case, the court would not "take the extraordinary step of interfering with an ongoing local government process."

This decision clears the way for the hearing to proceed as planned, marking another key milestone in the voter-approved Measure A process.

"The County of San Mateo reaffirms its full commitment to upholding the integrity of this process, which was established to promote transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in local governance. We are confident in the fairness and structure of the Measure A framework; it reflects the will of the voters and ensures that all proceedings are conducted with the utmost integrity," said County spokeswoman Effie Milionis Verducci. "The County looks forward to the presentation of evidence at the upcoming hearing and to receiving the hearing officer's recommendation, which will be submitted to the Board of Supervisors for consideration."

Hearing Details

The public removal hearing for San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus is scheduled to begin 9:00 AM Monday, Aug. 18, in the Hall of Justice at 400 County Center, Redwood City.

Retired Judge James Emerson will serve as the independent hearing officer, presiding over what is expected to be a 10-day proceeding concluding on Aug. 29. The removal hearing will take place in Courtroom 2M on the second floor.

Members of the public and media are permitted to attend the hearing in person. Seating accommodations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. There will not be a remote attendance option (via live stream, video feed, or Zoom), and audio recording, video recording, and photography have been prohibited.

Numerous Allegations Against Sheriff Spark Measure A Process

Supervisors voted 5-0 at a June 24 public meeting to accept a recommendation to proceed with removing Sheriff Corpus from office. The vote follows a process voters authorized the Board to develop and implement under Measure A, a County Charter amendment passed by 84 percent of voters in March 2025.

The Board's action followed numerous complaints about Sheriff Corpus' conduct. Investigations found that she misuses her authority, created a high-level position for a close associate without qualifications and fosters a workplace culture marked by retaliation. Sheriff Corpus appealed the Board's June 24 action. That appeal initiated the upcoming formal hearing under removal procedures established by the Board. Under those procedures, Judge Emerson is required to submit a written opinion to the Board of Supervisors within 45 days following the hearing. The opinion must include findings of fact and a recommendation on whether there exists "cause" for removal under Section 412.5 of the County Charter. Cause for removal includes violating any law related to the performance of the sheriff's duties; flagrant or repeated neglect of duty; misappropriation of public funds or property; willful falsification of official statements or documents; or obstruction of a lawful investigation into the sheriff or the Sheriff's Office. Additional information, including past news releases, Board actions, and associated reports can be found at: https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/independent-investigation-sheriffs-office

Effie Milionis Verducci
Interim Director of Strategic Communications
650-407-4915
[email protected]