Trial Date Set in Domestic Violence Case Involving SF Sheriff

Newly sworn-in San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi has had a rough beginning to the New Year as a trial date has been set in his domestic violence case. But the real question is whether he can remain on the job.

On Monday, a trial date of February 24 was set in the domestic violence case.

The case first came about after complaints from Mirkarimi’s wife, Eliana Lopez, to a neighbor following an incident on New Year’s Eve. According to an affidavit, the neighbor called police after Lopez told her about the attack the day after it happened.

The affidavit said that the neighbor took video of Lopez crying and pointing to a bruise on her right bicep. In the video, Lopez also mentioned other incidents between the couple.

Mirkarimi has been charged with domestic violence battery, child endangerment and dissuading a witness, all misdemeanors. The judge in the case has also continued a stay away oder in which Mirkarimi is not allowed to enter his family’s home. Mirkarimi has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and vows to fight the charges while staying on as sheriff. He pleaded not guilty to the charges last week.

In a statement last week, Lopez denied the allegations and said her family is caught in the middle of “a political game.”

And in another twist to the story, there is a second woman who has come forward with accusations against Mirkarimi.

Christina Flores, a former girlfriend of Mirkarimi, filed a police report this weekend claiming that she was physically abused by the then-supervisor.

While the statute of limitations has most likely expired, as the alleged incident occurred three years ago, Flores could be called as a witness in the upcoming trial.

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee has not made a decision yet on whether to punish Mirkarimi over the allegations and charges.

Photo Credit: Brian Kusler, via Wikimedia Commons

It's simple. Keith Mizuguchi loves to write and write and write some more. After taking a hiatus from the journalism business, he has rekindled his passion for writing over the last two years, holding a job as both a web and on-air writer for San Francisco news radio station KCBS. While he enjoys the news business, his true passions are twofold: sports and food. Bay Area born and raised, he lives in San Jose, commutes to SF and loves every minute of it. You can follow his food adventures on Twitter @foodie_keith.