San Francisco mayor suspends sheriff

San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi, who pleaded guilty to domestic violence, has been suspended in what analysts called a first step toward dismissal. Mayor Ed Lee said he had to suspend the sheriff because Mirkarimi refused to resign, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Tuesday. Mirkarimi admitted last week he falsely imprisoned his wife New Year's Eve and has been sentenced to three years on probation and a year of domestic violence classes. Lee said the sheriff's actions "fell below the standard of decency and good faith." The mayor gave Mirkarimi 24 hours to quit Monday. Lee named Vicki Hennessey, who retired as the sheriff's chief deputy, to serve as interim sheriff. Mirkarimi was sworn in as sheriff Jan. 8. He has said he does not believe his offense, a misdemeanor, constitutes official misconduct.