Judge Refuses To Swear In Mirkarimi As SF Sheriff

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) -- A San Francisco judge has refused to administer the oath of office to the incoming sheriff, who is the subject of a domestic violence inquiry.

In an email to the San Francisco Chronicle, Superior Court Judge Katherine Feinstein says she didn't want to create a potential future legal conflict, should a case naming Ross Mirkarimi be brought to her court.

Feinstein had been invited to administer the oath Sunday at a ceremony at the city's Herbst Theatre.

KCBS' Tim Ryan Reports:

Despite Judge Feinstein's refusal to participate in a public ceremony, Mirkarimi has already been installed as sheriff, according to San Francisco Chronicle reporter Rachel Gordon. Angela Calvillo, Board of Supervisors clerk, administered the oath of office to Mirkarimi in City Hall on Saturday evening, Gordon reported.

A neighbor told police that Mirkarimi had grabbed and bruised wife Eliana Lopez's arm during a heated argument on New Year's Eve. Mirkarimi has denied the allegations.

The district attorney's office is reviewing the case but isn't expected to make any decisions until later this week at the earliest.

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