Millbrae Officials Investigate Deputy’s Unauthorized Living Quarters

A controversy has emerged in Millbrae, California, following allegations that a sheriff’s deputy used city property for personal sleeping quarters while residing out of state. The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office is under scrutiny after reports surfaced that Captain Eamonn Allen, who oversees Millbrae’s police services, has been living at the police station while maintaining a primary residence in Idaho.

City officials confirmed they were unaware of the sleeping arrangements until a routine inspection revealed the presence of unauthorized living quarters within the police station. Millbrae spokesperson Annabelle Acosta stated, “Unfortunately, one of the doors was not accessible to our staff as the locks had been replaced by the police bureau without city knowledge.” The inspection also uncovered a container of alcohol on the premises, raising additional concerns about adherence to city policies.

Acosta emphasized that the city prohibits employees from using public property for personal needs, stating, “It is city of Millbrae policy to not drink while on the job or come to work under the influence of any substance including alcohol.” She also noted that the construction of the sleeping quarters was not funded by the city, leaving unanswered questions about any potential increase in utility costs.

The discovery comes on the heels of former Sheriff Christina Corpus‘s recent removal due to allegations of retaliation and conflict-of-interest violations. Tom Williams, the city manager, mentioned that the quarters were only identified after a building inspector’s visit. The sheriff’s office has not provided any official comment regarding the authorization of the sleeping quarters or related policies.

Millbrae disbanded its police department in 2012 and has since contracted the sheriff’s office for public safety services. Allen was appointed to lead the Millbrae bureau by Corpus in 2023. The city’s ethics policy clearly states that public employees should not use city-owned property for personal purposes unless such services are generally available to the public.

Online property records indicate that Allen sold his home in Livermore, California, in April 2024, and registered a new address in Meridian, Idaho, as of June that same year. While Allen did not respond to requests for comment, he was previously involved in calls for Corpus’s resignation following an investigation led by retired Judge LaDoris Cordell, which uncovered various accusations against her.

Following Corpus’s ousting by the Board of Supervisors, David Canepa, a county supervisor, indicated that he would request an investigation into the sleeping quarters. However, as of now, no action has been initiated. Canepa noted that the immediate focus for the county is determining the process for selecting a new sheriff, a topic set for discussion in a community meeting on November 4.

Reports from ABC7 indicate that several other sheriff’s sergeants currently live out of state, including in Idaho, Nevada, Texas, and Tennessee. Among them are two sergeants on the department’s bomb squad, a role that necessitates rapid response capabilities.

While the sheriff’s office does not have a specific policy prohibiting deputies from living out of state, employees are required to report their primary addresses. Questions directed at Undersheriff Dan Perea regarding the office’s awareness of captains commuting from out of state have not been answered.

As the board navigates this latest controversy, it faces a significant challenge: balancing the costs associated with the removal process against ensuring that voters have a voice in electing the new sheriff. The department, which comprises approximately 800 personnel, operates with a budget exceeding $300 million.

The discussion surrounding the selection of a new sheriff continues, with options including appointing a replacement, holding a special election, or waiting until the primary elections in June 2026. Meanwhile, Corpus’s legal team pursues appeals in both county and federal courts to seek her reinstatement, although prior appeals have been denied.