Former Rep. Filner gets three years’ probation

Former congressman and San Diego Mayor Bob Filner (D) was sentenced on Monday to three years’ probation and 90 days of house arrest after pleading guilty to battery and false imprisonment for physically restraining a woman. 

Filner’s sentence largely lines up with a deal worked out in October in which he pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges and one felony. He will begin serving house arrest on Jan. 1. 

Filner apologized to his family and the women he hurt, vowing during brief remarks that his actions will not be repeated.

{mosads}”I want to apologize,” he said, according to an NBC affiliate. “To my family who have stood by me through this ordeal, to my loyal staff and supporters, to the citizens of San Diego and most sincerely to the women I have hurt and offended, to all of you I make the same promise I made to my family to earn back your trust and my integrity no matter how long it takes.”

Filner resigned from office in August after more than a dozen women came forward accusing him of sexual harassment while he served as mayor. During his resignation, he blamed the “lynch mob mentality” of the public for forcing him out of office. Filner was a Democratic congressman prior to serving as mayor. 

As part of the deal, Filner will give up any retirement benefits he earned after the first charge was made in March. Filner will also not be able to hold public office while serving out his sentence. 

The judge waived a 180-day prison sentence as long as Filner complies with the terms of the agreement. He will also be forced to undergo mental health treatment during his probation. 

He is not allowed to have contact with the three women who filed charges. Their names have not been publicly released. 

As part of an earlier agreement to resign from office, the city of San Diego agreed to pay for his legal defense against any lawsuit, but not criminal charges.