San Francisco Mayor Lee Accused Of Perjury In Mirkarimi Hearing
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — As the San Francisco Ethics Commission considers the fate of suspended Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi, Mayor Ed Lee's sworn testimony is being challenged by some vocal adversaries.
Separate accusations are being directed towards the mayor by Building Inspection Commissioner Debra Walker and by former Supervisor Aaron Peskin, neither of whom are friends of the mayor.
Lee spokesperson Christine Falvey dismissed suggestions the mayor perjured himself during testimony last week. She said political opponents are trying to divert attention from the real issue of whether or not Mirkarimi should be removed as sheriff.
KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports:
"He does not want to be distracted by people who are inserting themselves into this process," Falvey said about the mayor.
Lee suspended Mirkarimi in March, after the sheriff pleaded guilty to a false imprisonment charge stemming from a domestic dispute involving his wife Eliana Lopez on New Year's Eve.
Walker said the mayor perjured himself when he denied discussing the misconduct case with any supervisors, saying the mayor talked to Supervisor Christina Olague.
Peskin said he was asked to get Mirkarimi to resign by saying the mayor would find him another city job. Falvey maintains that neither incident happened.
Attorney Shepherd Kopp, who represents Mirkarimi, said he is not commenting because he doesn't have the facts to support the allegations.
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