Former San Diego Mayor Charged With False Imprisonment
Former San Diego Mayor Bob Filner is facing numerous criminal charges. The California attorney general’s office filed three criminal complaints, including felony false imprisonment and two counts of misdemeanor battery.
The charges allege Filner used “violence, fraud, menace, and deceit” to falsely imprison three women, identified as Jane Does. The charges come two months after allegations of sexual harassment led the former mayor to resign.
As reported by Seattle Pi, the 71-year-old politician was accused of sexually harassing at least 17 women during his nine months in office. Prosecutors are currently reviewing the allegations for possible prosecution.
The allegations began with a complaint filed by former communications director Irene McCormack Jackson. The former director accused Filner of making inappropriate comments and suggestions. One one occasion, Jackson said the former San Diego mayor placed her in a headlock.
As more women came forward with similar accusations, Bob Filner was pressured to resign. Although he eventually left office, he vehemently denied the accusations.
The former mayor’s political career began in 1979, when he was elected as a member of the San Diego School Board. He made great strides in improving the school system, prompting his promotion to School Board President in 1982.
In 1987, Filner was elected as a member of San Diego’s City Council. As reported by Bob Filner For Mayor, his reputation for positive results eventually led to his 1991 appointment as Deputy Mayor.
In 1992, Filner was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served 10 terms on congress. In 2012, he was elected as mayor of San Diego.
There is no question that Filner had a respectful and successful political career. However, his past reputation is now overshadowed by the recent allegations.
Former San Diego Mayor Bob Filner continues to deny the harassment. However, prosecutors are confident that they have enough evidence to support the criminal charges.
[Image via Wikimedia]
