The leader of the San Francisco Sheriff's Department and his wife have reportedly been sued for defaming neighbors and lying to police.  The suit is linked to Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi's arrest late last year in which he was charged with domestic violence.

A neighbor said she placed a call to the SFPD in early 2012 out of concern for Eliana Lopez, who is married to the Sheriff.   The neighbor relayed to officers an incident in which Mirkarimi forcefully grabbed his wife's arm after an argument surrounding a potential vacation in South America.   She also turned over a video in which Lopez was seen crying and shaken up, noting it was filmed at the time she was telling the story.

An investigation ensured.  The Sheriff was placed on temporary unpaid leave and pled guilty to a false imprisonment charge.   City officials had attempted to forcibly remove him from his post but he was reinstated by the county board of supervisors.

Since that time Mirkarimi has reportedly accused that neighbor and her attorney husband for attempting to profit from the incident.  They have also told others that the husband is illegally practicing law without having a valid and proper license.

Their neighbors have since filed a lawsuit.  Punitive damages and an injunction are being sought.   It is currently unclear when the matter will be heard by a judge.  Mirkarimi and Lopez have not release any formal statement addressing the suit.

The matter is ongoing.