Bob Filner, former San Diego mayor, pleads guilty to false imprisonment and sexual harassment charges
(CBS/AP) SAN DIEGO - Former San Diego Mayor Bob Filner, driven from office by sexual harassment allegations, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to charges involving three women.
The most serious count alleged false imprisonment "by violence, fraud, menace and deceit" but did not elaborate on the circumstances. The ex-mayor's sentencing was set for Dec. 9.
Filner, 71, resigned in late August, succumbing to intense pressure after at least 17 women brought lurid sexual harassment allegations against the former 10-term congressman. He had been on the job less than nine months into a four-year term and was San Diego's first Democratic mayor in 20 years.
San Diego County sheriff's investigators had been interviewing Filner's accusers and said they would deliver their findings to the attorney general's office for possible prosecution. The state attorney general's office confirmed in August that it launched a criminal investigation.
Filner's former communications director, Irene McCormack Jackson, was the first woman to go public with allegations against Filner and filed a lawsuit against the mayor and the city, claiming her ex-boss asked her to work without panties, demanded kisses, told her he wanted to see her naked and dragged her in a headlock while whispering in her ear.
All nine City Council members as well as fellow Democrats called upon Filner to resign. A recall effort also was launched as more allegations surfaced.
But in a defiant farewell speech, Filner said he was the victim of a lynch mob and believed he would be vindicated if due process was allowed to run its course.
In exchange for his resignation, the city agreed to pay Filner's legal fees in a joint defense of the lawsuit, and cover any settlement costs assessed against the mayor except for punitive damages. The city - as required by state law - will also defend Filner against legal actions stemming from other alleged sexual harassment said to have occurred during his nine months in office as mayor.
City Attorney Jan Goldsmith said, however, the city will not represent Filner in any criminal case.
CBS San Diego reports under the plea deal with prosecutors Filner is expected to receive three years of probation and three months of home confinement when he is sentenced.
According to the Attorney General's Office, Filner will also be barred from ever seeking or holding public office under the plea deal. He will also be required to undergo mental health treatment while he is on probation. And if he violates the terms, he could face up to six months in jail, according to the station.