Fresh on the job for two months, the new sheriff of San Francisco has been charged with domestic violence and child endangerment. His wife is at his side fighting the charges but, if he is convicted, alleges Fox News, he will be fired.
Sheriff R.M., 50, has promised to fight the charges prosecutors allege relate to an incident with his wife and child that occurred on New Year’s Eve.
San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon told news media on January 13 that R.M. is facing one count of domestic violence battery, one count of child endangerment and one count of dissuading a witness.
Sergeant M.A., with the San Francisco police force, said that R.M. was booked at the San Francisco County Jail before being released on $35,000 bail.
In speaking to reporters, R.M. promised to remain in office while he fights the allegations made against him. R.M. said, “The charges are very unfounded.”
Allegedly the reason R.M. was charged for child endangerment, per Gascon, was due to his son witnessing the domestic violence incident between his parents.
Gascon said, “While I do not relish having to bring charges against a San Francisco elected official, I have taken an oath to uphold the laws of the state of California. Whether this was the elected sheriff or any other San Francisco resident, this type of behavior is inexcusable, criminal and will be prosecuted.”
R.M.’s wife, E.L., said, “This is unbelievable, I don't have any complaint against my husband.”
According to a police affidavit, a neighbor said that R.M. and E.L. were engaged in an intense argument in the couple’s home that escalated when R.M. allegedly grabbed E.L. by the arm, bruising her.
The incident was videotaped by the neighbor that reported it. The neighbor also produced cellular text messages she had received from E.L., which allegedly included specific details of the attack.
E.L. defended her husband in her statement by writing that the incident was “completely taken out of context.”
The charges filed against R.M. have been the subject of newspaper commentary and protests made by more than one anti-domestic violence group. A coalition of groups are urging that R.M. take a leave from his new post – and not return to the job until the case is over.
R.M. will have to give up his department-issued firearm if he is convicted on any of the misdemeanor charges, be subjected to searches and probation. Beyond that, he allegedly faces termination as sheriff if he is convicted of any felonious acts due to California state laws.
Mayor Ed Lee has the authority to charge R.M. now with official misconduct – a charge that could cause R.M. to be suspended from office. Lee said, “As mayor, I must now review the facts and options available to me under the city charter, but I must also ensure that we do not take steps that undermine the integrity of the criminal justice proceedings.”
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