Ross Mirkarimi Update: Sheriff Charged, Barred from Visiting Family
A San Francisco judge this afternoon issued a warrant for Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi's arrest, charging the former city supervisor with three misdemeanor counts, including battery, child endangerment, and attempting to dissuade a witness.
SF Weekly Staff Writer Lauren Smiley is at the Hall of Justice where District Attorney George Gascón delivered the news to a throng of reporters. While shocking, it came as little surprise, as information leaked through the day that Mirkarimi, who allegedly abused his wife on New Year's Eve, would be charged.
What's more, the DA claims to be investigating more possible incidents of domestic violence involving Mirkarimi and his wife, Eliana Lopez. The DA asked a judge to sign an emergency restraining order, which would bar Mirkarimi from going home or seeing his wife and three-year-old son, Theo. Sources say the judge has since signed the emergency protective order.
Meanwhile, police have asked Mirkarimi, who was just sworn in as sheriff on Sunday, to surrender within the next few hours. No word on where Mirkarimi is at this time. If he does not turn himself in soon, police will begin searching for him, a source told SF Weekly.
Mirkarimi is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday. His bail is set for $35,000, according to the DA.
If convicted, Mirkarimi could face up to one year in county jail and three years on probation. He would also be forced to turn over his gun.
While the DA explained the charges, Mirkarimi and Lopez left City Hall, making a few tearful statements to reporters.
"I believe these charges are very unfounded and we will fight these charges and I am confident in the end that we will succeed in showing the missteps," Mirkarimi told reporters. "I will be booked -- I am not above the law."
Lopez chimed in, breaking into tears: "This is unbelievable. I don't have any complaint against my husband -- this is my family," she said. "This is completely wrong."
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