Daily News Staff Writer One year after San Mateo County’s sheriff was caught in a police raid of an illegal Las Vegas brothel, the
board of supervisors finally responded to criticism of its mute reaction to the scandal by creating the framework of a “citizens review panel.” Today, two years after the sheriff’s escapade and a year after the board’s action, many of the people identified as potential panel members had no idea they were placed on a list until contacted for this story. And it’s unclear whether many of those 34 people would be willing or able to serve on a panel ostensibly created to investigate allegations of misconduct by elected officials. That’s not surprising, given that the county counsel’s office drew up the list but opted not to notify the people on it or check to see whether they would be available. “The feeling was, rather than call and find out at this point, it’s better to wait and see, because minds change and everything else,” County Counsel Mike Murphy said. “Everybody on the list is welcome to say, ‘No, we won’t do it.'” “(Updating the list) is something I believe should be done on a periodic basis,” Church said. “You have reminded us of the need to do that.”
Munks, who was found inside the brothel at the time, apologized for the incident but was never charged with a crime and denied he broke any laws. Undersheriff Carlos Bolanos was with Munks and also was briefly detained he told a Las Vegas media outlet that he was waiting in a limousine outside the brothel, but has refused to comment since.