Jury Seated in Lawsuit Against Former Mayor Bob Filner

SAN DIEGO, CA - Opening arguments will be heard Tuesday morning in a civil lawsuit against former San Diego Mayor Bob Filner after a jury was seated late Monday.

Stacie McKenzie claims in her lawsuit that Filner grabbed her from behind in April 2013, put his arm around her neck in what some called “the Filner headlock,” and rubbed her breasts in Mission Bay Park.

McKenzie also alleges that Filner made inappropriate comments about her appearance and asked her on a date.

Attorneys for the city of San Diego and Filner said his actions were outside the scope of his job as mayor and the city took immediate action when it learned of the allegations.

McKenzie’s lawsuit is one of two unresolved suits against Filner, who resigned in August 2013.

The city and Filner have paid more than $1 million to settle five other sexual harassment lawsuits.

In August 2013 — less than a year after he was elected mayor — Filner pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery and felony false imprisonment. He was sentenced to three months on house arrest.

— City News Service contributed to this report; Image via Del Mar-Carmel Valley Patch file