Published January 13, 2015
Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., has entered a plea days before he was set for trial on assault and battery charges over allegations he pushed a United Airlines baggage employee at Dulles International Airport.
At a hearing in Loudoun County's General District Court on Monday Filner entered a so-called Alford plea after prosecutors reduced the charges to trespassing, according to a statement issued through his attorney. That means he did not admit guilt, but acknowledged sufficient evidence exists for a conviction.
He was fined $100.
Filner was accused in the Aug. 19 incident of trying to shove past a female baggage worker into an employee-only area after his bags were delayed. He was set for trial Dec. 4.
The baggage worker, Joanne Kay Kunkel, alleged in a criminal complaint that Filner barged past other customers, screamed at employees and repeatedly pushed her. He yelled "You can't stop me," according to her complaint.
Filner apologized in a statement Monday, but also denied any physical violence.
"At the time, it wouldn't have occurred to me that entering an airport office under these circumstances would be considered trespassing. But I understand now that, since I was told to stay out, it can be considered trespass. That's why I'm entering what I understand is called an Alford plea: I did, in fact, go back there," Filner said.
"I want to make clear that I did not strike, push, or shove anyone," he said. "It's very important to me that the record be clear on this point. Nor did I seek any sort of special treatment because I was a congressman."
Filner's plea may not be the last word on the incident: the House Ethics Committee announced plans in September to investigate the airport confrontation after criminal proceedings were over.
Filner is in his eighth term representing California's 51st Congressional District that borders Mexico. He chairs the Veterans Affairs Committee.
https://www.foxnews.com/story/rep-bob-filner-enters-alford-plea-to-trespassing-charge-stemming-from-airport-altercation