The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Thursday to issue a notice of intent to remove embattled Sheriff Christina Corpus , the first step in a process voters authorized through a March ballot measure.

The board’s action kicks off a potential months-long removal procedure, which stems from a 400-page independent report that accused the sheriff of misconduct, corruption and an inappropriate relationship with her former chief of staff, Victor Aenlle. The report, released last year, was led by retired Judge LaDoris Cordell .

Corpus has denied any wrongdoing and has resisted calls to resign . With a team of lawyers by her side, Corpus sat quietly in the back of the board’s chambers. Afterward, she told reporters she had expected the decision.

“They have a motive,”

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