Redwood City, CA — County of San Mateo attorneys today placed on the record clarifications regarding the timeline for case presentation in the removal appeal hearing for Sheriff Christina Corpus. As the County began the seventh of 10 days in the appeal hearing requested by the Sheriff, the clarifications were made in response to recent media statements suggesting that the County had exceeded its allotted time to present witnesses.
Jan Little, a lead attorney for Keker, Van Nest, and Peters, the law firm representing the County explained that each side is allotted up to 35 hours to present its case, including both direct and cross-examinations. The court clerk has been tracking time used by each party. As of this morning, the attorneys representing the County had used just over 16 hours, while the Sheriff’s representatives had used more than 18 hours.
Attorneys further noted that every witness called by the County was also on the Sheriff’s witness list. Under the rules, witnesses are subpoenaed by both parties and may testify only once, with questioning by both sides.
“This clarification on how each party has used the allotted time to date, which was confirmed as accurate by the Sheriff’s counsel on the record, underscores the integrity of the process and reflects the efforts made to ensure the proceedings are fair, balanced, and transparent,” said County spokesperson Effie Milionis Verducci.
Hearing Details
The public removal appeal hearing for San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus began 9:00 AM Monday, Aug. 18, in the Hall of Justice at 400 County Center, Redwood City.
Retired Judge James Emerson is serving as the independent hearing officer, presiding over what is expected to be a 10-day proceeding concluding on Aug. 29. The removal appeal hearing is taking place in Courtroom 2M on the second floor.
Members of the public and media are permitted to attend the hearing in person. Seating accommodations are on a first-come, first-served basis. There is not 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
everducci@smcgov.org