Overview

• Retired Judge James Emerson issued a 42-page advisory opinion concluding there are multiple grounds under the county charter to remove Sheriff Christina Corpus after a two-week administrative hearing.
• Emerson wrote that evidence showed a close personal relationship with former chief of staff Victor Aenlle influenced hiring and pay decisions, constituting a conflict of interest and misuse of public funds.
• The opinion found Corpus ordered an investigation and arrest of Deputy Sheriffs Association president Carlos Tapia without probable cause in retaliation for his union role.
• Emerson determined Corpus retaliated against Capt. Brian Philip by transferring him after he refused to deliver an internal affairs notice he believed would violate state law.
• The Board, armed with authority from voter-approved Measure A, must schedule a public vote within 30 days, while Corpus disputes the process as unconstitutional, denies the allegations, and continues legal challenges including a $10 million lawsuit and a request for a state attorney general opinion.