San Francisco sheriff Ross Mirkarimi will not step down despite domestic abuse claims

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

San Francisco's newly sworn-in sheriff Ross Mirkarimi.

(Credit: AP Photo/San Francisco Police Department)

(CBS) SAN FRANSISCO - San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi said Tuesday afternoon that he told Mayor Ed Lee he would not take a leave of absence from his job, despite the recent domestic violence allegations.

CBS San Francisco reports Mirkarimi describing the meeting with Lee as "cordial" and maintained that he could still do his job effectively while dealing with his legal troubles.

Mirkarimi was recently charged with three misdemeanors stemming from an alleged domestic violence incident. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

"We are doing exactly what we need to be doing" in the sheriff's department and "it's very important that I stick to the duties I've been ascribed to do," he told reporters at City Hall.

Prior to the meeting, Lee said he would ask Mirkarimi to step down temporarily because his case had become a "distraction." While the mayor has the power to suspend the newly sworn-in-sheriff, Lee indicated he would leave the decision to Mirkarimi.

Mirkarimi is facing a trial for one count each of domestic violence battery, child endangerment and dissuading a witness in connection with domestic dispute with his wife, Eliana Lopez. Police say the incident occurred on New Year's Eve at the couple's home.

Mirkarimi said he would not take pay for the days while he is on trial.

"I think it's only principled that I would not take pay while I'm in trial," he said. But when asked by reporters if he would actually step aside from his post during the trial, Mirkarimi replied, "We'll see if it comes to that. We'll see."

Complete coverage of Ross Mirkarimi on Crimesider

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by CherylA100 January 31, 2012 6:42 PM EST: He makes me sick! And what is with keeping his eyes closed in his mug shot--can he get away with that to make it harder to ID him? He needs to step down TODAY and STAY AWAY from law enforcement forever!; Reply to this comment


by slatep January 26, 2012 3:42 AM EST: This guy is charged with "child endangerment" and possibly "witness tampering" and he wants to continue to be allowed to continue his duties as Sheriff.!!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME.??!!

If I'm not mistaken; when he was sworn in as Sheriff; he swore to protect the citizens of San Francisco from just such things as domestic violence, children kept safe from being endangered and would promptly arrest anyone accused of witness tampering.

FORGET asking him to step down temporarily.!!

He should be; at the very least; suspended from duty until his trial is over.

His wife and child should be provided with Orders of Protection, and he should be told he must move out of the house and have no contact whatsoever with his wife and child and the witness until his trial is over.

Something here really STINKS.!!

Does he have something on the Mayor or other elected officials that would; if revealed; destroy their careers.??

I don't know when this picture was taken, but he can't even look into the camera; a common occurence among those who have something to hide.

Suspend him NOW.!!

If; after his trial is over and if he is found innocent of the charges; he can then be fully re-instated given his back pay and returned to full active duty.

Otherwise; ONLY IN SAN FRANCISCO.!; Reply to this comment


by oldabner January 25, 2012 7:20 PM EST: He's a woman beating punk, who doesn't have the balls to come out of the closet.; Reply to this comment