Judge Clears Way for San Mateo County to Fill Sheriff Vacancy

Redwood City - The County of San Mateo may move forward with filling the vacancy in the Office of the Sheriff after a Superior Court judge today rejected former Sheriff Christina Corpus' petition to halt the process while she challenges her removal from office.

County officials said they appreciate the court's clear ruling allowing the Board of Supervisors to continue the process as outlined in the County Charter.

"The judge's decision confirms the process was fair, transparent and followed exactly as voters intended," said Supervisor Ray Mueller. "An independent hearing officer reviewed all the evidence, the Board acted on those findings, and today's ruling reinforces that the system worked in the best interests of our county's residents."

Corpus filed the petition seeking to prevent the County from filling the vacancy while she challenges the Board's decision to remove her. The petition asked the court to halt any appointment or election until her case is resolved.

In her decision released today, Judge Nina Shapirshteyn wrote that "maintaining the Board's removal order pending judicial review serves the public interest in accountable and stable law enforcement leadership." She also found that Corpus had "not demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits" of her claim that her due process rights were violated.

On Oct. 14, 2025, following an independent two-week evidentiary hearing, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to remove Corpus from office under procedures established by Measure A, approved by voters in March 2025. The hearing officer found four separate bases for cause, and the Board adopted those findings.

In denying Corpus' request, Judge Shapirshteyn wrote that the hearing officer, retired Superior Court Judge James Emerson, found that Corpus "violated County conflict-of-interest law; ordered an investigation into, and warrantless arrest of, a deputy who is union president, in retaliation for the deputy's union activity and in violation of the Government Code; ordered the deputy's arrest without probable cause, in violation of the Penal Code; and retaliated against captain who refused to follow an order that he reasonably thought was unlawful, in violation of the Labor Code."

"With the court's decision, we can now focus on moving forward," Supervisor Mueller said. "Our priority is restoring stability in the Sheriff's Office and maintaining public trust as we continue the process to fill this important leadership role."

The County will continue following the procedures outlined in Section 415 of the County Charter to fill the vacancy. The Board of Supervisors has scheduled a special meeting today at 6 p.m. to consider options for filling the position.