(San Francisco) Mayor says he'll suspend Mirkarimi as sheriff [View all]

[Newsjock]

Last edited Tue Mar 20, 2012, 08:40 PM - Edit history (2)

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Mayor Ed Lee is suspending Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi from his post, the first step toward removing him from office permanently for official misconduct.

"He has chosen not to resign and now I must act," Lee said in a 5 p.m. news conference today. He said the sheriff's actions "fell below the standard of decency and good faith" needed for public officials.

Mirkarimi pleaded guilty last week to a misdemeanor charge of false imprisonment for an incident involving his wife on New Year's Eve.

Lee named Vicki Hennessy to serve as interim sheriff. Hennessy last ran the Department of Emergency Management after a career in the Sheriff's Department, where she retired as chief deputy.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/03/20/MNKP1NNI9F.DTL&tsp=1

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Earlier story: Embattled San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi will not resign his position after Mayor Ed Lee gave him the option to resign or face official misconduct charges, his lawyer told The Associated Press this afternoon.

The sheriff is expected to make a statement on his plans later this afternoon.

Mirkarimi's decision means Lee will likely try to have the sheriff removed from office. Lee gave Mirkarimi until 5 p.m. today to make a decision.

Mirkarimi was sentenced Monday to three years probation, a year's worth of domestic violence intervention classes and other penalties for pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge of false imprisonment of his wife. He met with Lee from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Monday in the mayor's office, where he was given 24 hours to make up his mind, the sources said.

Earlier story: Mayor Ed Lee gave embattled San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi until 5 p.m. today to resign or face an official misconduct charge and the possible forced removal from office, sources told The Chronicle today.

Mirkarimi was sentenced Monday to three years probation, a year's worth of domestic violence intervention classes and other penalties for pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge of false imprisonment of his wife. He met with Lee from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Monday in the mayor's office, where he was given 24 hours to make up his mind, the sources said.

The mayor's office said Lee is expected to make a public announcement late this afternoon.

Mirkarimi was meeting with his command staff in his City Hall Office early this afternoon, sources said. It was not clear what they were discussing but Mirkarimi did convene the meeting.