SF Sheriff Mirkarimi Granted Visitation Rights With Son
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Embattled San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi was granted visitation rights with his son at a court hearing Wednesday morning.
Mirkarimi is facing allegations of domestic violence against his wife, Eliana Lopez, and has been under a court order to stay away from Lopez and the couple's 2-year-old son Theo.
San Francisco Superior Court Judge Ronald Albers Wednesday approved an agreement between Mirkarimi and Lopez in which Mirkarimi can see his son for two hours each weekday and up to six hours each weekend.
Near tears, Mirkarimi said, "I get to see my son. I can't tell you how excited and grateful I am."
KCBS' Bob Melrose Reports:
A stay-away order preventing Mirkarimi from contacting Lopez is still in effect. The order stems from domestic violence charges related to a Dec. 31 argument in which Mirkarimi is accused of grabbing Lopez and bruising her arm. It will remain in effect until the end of the trial, which is set to start Feb. 24.
Mirkarimi was arrested Jan. 13 and charged with misdemeanor domestic violence battery, child endangerment and dissuading a witness.
He was sworn in as sheriff on Jan. 8 after serving on the Board of Supervisors for seven years.
Tuesday, prosecutors indicated they will use the testimony of Mirkarimi's former girlfriend at the upcoming trial.
The District Attorney's Office filed a motion on Tuesday seeking to admit Christina Flores's testimony.
Flores filed a police report last month alleging Mirkarimi was prone to tirades and bruised her arm when he pushed her up against a wall once during a fight.
Prosecutors say Flores's testimony will show Mirkarimi engaged in a pattern of domestic violence.
Lidia Stiglich, Mirkarimi's attorney, said Flores's claims are false, and she planned to file a response preventing the use of her testimony.
(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco and Bay City News Service. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
