Third woman expected to bring abuse charges against Mirkarimi

Already reeling from domestic abuse charges linked to his current wife and an ex-girlfriend, San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi may soon face new allegations from a third woman that include charges of physical abuse, a source revealed Tuesday.

A source told KTVU that the latest accusations of physical violence against the sheriff are from a third woman who is expected to come forward with the charges soon. The unnamed woman allegedly went out with Mirkarimi several years ago.

Those charges may include physical abuse during the course of their relationship.

"Mr. Mirkarimi has been very steadfast and clear with me throughout that he has not physically abused anybody that he's had a relationship with," Mirkarimi's attorney Bob Waggener told KTVU.

The information comes just two days after an ex-girlfriend filed a police report, alleging the sheriff bruised her arm in a confrontation five years ago.

"Mr. Mirkarimi did have a relationship with this woman. It ended poorly," said Waggener. "He hasn't spoken to her in about three years, and Mr. Mirkarimi denies any physical abuse during the course of that relationship."

Mirkarimi also briefly addressed the allegations from the ex-girlfriend himself Tuesday, saying "We're going to fight it."

Mirkarimi is facing misdemeanor charges of domestic violence battery, child endangerment and dissuading a witness in connection with an incident involving his wife on New Year's Eve. The trial is set to start Feb. 24.

Meanwhile, Mirkarimi said Tuesday he will not be taking pay during the days he is on trial for domestic violence. However, he stopped short of saying he would temporarily step down from his post.

Mirkarimi met with Mayor Ed Lee Tuesday afternoon to discuss whether he will be able to keep up with his duties as sheriff while dealing with the court case, and whether he should step aside.

The sheriff met with Lee in the mayor's office at City Hall then spoke to reporters afterward. He described the discussion as "cordial."

When asked whether he would temporarily step down during the trial, Mirkarimi replied, "We'll see if it comes to that. We'll see."

However, Mirkarimi said he does not plan on billing the city during days he is in trial.

"I think it's only principled that I would not take pay while I'm in trial," he said.

Mirkarimi also said he will recuse himself from any disciplinary proceedings involving sheriff's deputies while his case is pending.

He said the mayor "rightfully comes from a sentiment of concern" because "the perception is this could be some sort of distraction."

Mirkarimi said, "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."

Lee said earlier Tuesday that he would leave the decision up to Mirkarimi about whether he should step down, but noted that the sheriff must consider the effect the case might have on the public as well as his office.

Mirkarimi pleaded not guilty last Thursday to the charges against him, which stem from an incident involving his wife, Eliana Lopez, during which their 2-year-old son Theo was present.

Lopez spoke during Mirkarimi's arraignment, denying that she has a complaint against her husband.

The case came to light after Lopez allegedly told her neighbor Ivory Madison about the Dec. 31 incident and Madison called police.

Mirkarimi will return to court this Thursday when his attorney Waggener will ask a judge to remove a stay-away order that is preventing him from contacting his wife and son.