Overview

• Testifying for a second day, Christina Corpus denied a romantic relationship with aide Victor Aenlle, said he helped her autistic son on a Hawaii flight, and rejected claims she used slurs.
• County lawyers questioned her about texts referencing $8,000 earrings and alleged favoritism toward Aenlle; she said she bought the earrings herself and that personnel moves addressed staffing and performance.
• Former Undersheriff Chris Hsiung, former assistant Jeffrey Kearnan, and HR manager Heather Enders described behavior they said signaled an improper relationship and favoritism, including shared meals, synchronized Signal activity, a Hawaii trip, and a push for a high-paying role.
• The hearing is administrative with relaxed evidentiary rules, Emerson denied a requested delay, and a federal judge last week declined to block the proceedings.
• After the hearing concludes, Emerson has about 45 days to submit a recommendation and the Board then has 30 days to act, with Corpus remaining in office throughout.