Redwood City – The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors has publicly released the findings of a comprehensive, impartial investigation conducted by an external law firm regarding allegations made by the Sheriff against County Executive Officer (CEO) Michael Callagy. The investigation by Oppenheimer Investigations Group determines that there was no misconduct by County Executive Callagy. The report can be found here.
The investigation by Oppenheimer Investigations Group was commissioned by the County of San Mateo in response to allegations made by Sheriff Corpus in the fall and winter of 2024. The investigation was carried out independently, including with respect to the selection of witnesses, the content of interviews, and the development of findings.
Findings Clear County Executive
The investigation focused on the Sheriff’s claims that the CEO had engaged in a number of alleged improper acts, including inquiring into the Sheriff’s romantic relationships, negotiating overtime compensation for Sheriff’s personnel without first discussing with the Sheriff, blocking a Sheriff’s personnel termination, and treating the Sheriff differently because of her race, ethnicity, and/or gender. None of the claims were substantiated.
For example, although the Sheriff alleged that the CEO negotiated overtime compensation for Sheriff’s personnel “without having [the Sheriff] at the table” and that she “was never consulted before the final agreement,” the report highlights documentary evidence showing that the Sheriff was in fact copied on relevant correspondence and that “Callagy was deferential to Corpus” during negotiations.
Likewise, as to the allegation that the CEO treated the Sheriff differently because of her race, ethnicity, or gender, the report notes that that “Corpus made this assertion…based on broad, sweeping statements without providing a factual basis for the assertion.” The report further states that none of the witnesses interviewed observed the CEO treat Sheriff Corpus, themselves, or others poorly or in a discriminatory manner based on gender, race, or ethnicity.
The investigator found that, while the CEO did block the firing of a Sheriff’s Office employee, he did so because of his concerns about the County’s potential legal liability due to the risk that a retaliation claim could be brought by the employee and not, as the Sheriff alleged, because he wanted to take over the Sheriff’s Office.
Investigation Closed
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to release the report and that the complaint by the Sheriff has no merit. The Board now considers this matter closed.
Effie Milionis Verducci
Director, Strategic Communications
650-407-4915
everducci@smcgov.org