‘The coach picks the team’: San Mateo Co. Sheriff defends controversial firing

( KRON ) — San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus fired Assistant Sheriff Ryan Monaghan, San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller announced Friday. The firing is being investigated as potential retaliation after Monaghan participated in an investigation into a toxic work environment at the sheriff's office.

Corpus defended herself in a strongly worded statement Friday night, saying that Mueller's announcement was "pure speculation" and he was trying to draw publicity.

Deputies at the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office accused Corpus' chief of staff, Victor Aenlle, of creating a toxic work environment and union busting. Corpus responded by calling the press conference held by the deputies' union a political stunt and standing by Aenlle.

The county's board of supervisors opened an investigation into the allegations, which is being led by Judge LaDoris Cordell. Monaghan participated in the investigation and was then fired.

"The timing of the Sheriff's action and information provided by Assistant Sheriff Monaghan suggest possible retaliation against Assistant Sheriff Monaghan for participating in Judge Cordell's independent investigation," Mueller wrote.

Corpus called the statement put out by Mueller and the board of supervisors "completely out of line," "inappropriate," and "unprofessional."

"When the people of San Mateo County elected me as Sheriff, they entrusted me to make decisions about who I include on my executive staff," she said. "The coach picks the team. Period."

Cordell will investigate the claim of retaliation against Monaghan.