According to reports, a source inside the investigation of Ross Mirkarimi's alleged domestic violence tells the Associated Press that the new sheriff will face three misdemeanor charges. The charges are one count each of battery, child endangerment and dissuading a witness.
The source spoke to AP reporters on the condition of anonymity, but a press conference from District Attorney Gascón is expected to follow shortly. We'll update as we know more.
Update 2:10 p.m. Earlier today Jim Stearns, Mirkarimi's campaign manager who has been acting as a spokesman for the Sheriff, told the Examiner Mirkarimi would not resign from office if charged. Mirkarimi's attorney also explained that the District Attorney's office did not agree to call the Mirkarimi team before making an announcement about the charges. According to CBS5's Joe Vasquez, Mirkarimi's rep has not yet heard from the District Attorney.
Update 3 p.m. According to tweeting reporters at Mirkarimi's press conference, currently in progress. SFPD have asked the Sheriff to turn himself in within the hour. The Weekly reports that Jim Stearns has asked that Mirkarimi be booked and processed inside the Sheriff's office in City Hall.
Update 3:35 p.m. Reporter Joe Vasquez tells us, Mirkarimi has yet to make a statement and the 1 hour timetable is currently unconfirmed. According to a press release from the District Attorney's office, George Gascón will hold a press conference at 4:15 this afternoon.
Update 4 p.m. While reporters wait for the DA's press conference, the Chronicle's noted complainer C.W. Nevius has apparently grown tired of all this standing around and refuses to find a bench to sit down on:
#mirkarmi media standing in the hall on fourth floor city hall. Hours and hours waiting. Glamorous job right?
— C.W. Nevius (@cwnevius) January 13, 2012
Update 4:45 p.m. At this afternoon's press conference, District Attorney Gascón has confirmed the charges against Mirkarimi, claiming the sheriff will be "treated like any other suspect." The District Attorney also confirmed Sheriff Mirkarimi cannot return to his home or approach Mrs. Lopez, at least until his next hearing on Tuesday, due to a judge-issued protective order. Mirkarimi's bail is set at $35,000. The DA's office will not be asking Mirkarimi to step down from his post because they do not engage in the politics of the matter, but Gascón did indicate that his office has "information on other incidents."
Update 5 p.m. Mirkarimi has turned himself in for booking, reportedly saying, "I am not above the law" and that he has "no intention of leaving" his post as Sheriff. Mrs. Lopez, also commented saying, "saying "This is unbelievable, I don't have any complaints against my husband."
Mirkarimi's next hearing will be Tuesday, January 17th. If convicted, Mirkarimi could be forced to give up his gun and be subject to searches as part of his probation.
