Posted on 03/08/2007 10:17:37 AM PST by Quilla
Mayor Gavin Newsom said he has had other stalkers since coming into political office, but said he filed a restraining order against a 42-year-old Hayward man because he “crossed the line” by working his way into Newsom’s apartment building in the late evening hours last month.
On Wednesday, a San Francisco Superior Court judge issued a three-year restraining order against Han Sup Shin, which prohibits him from coming within 100 yards of the mayor’s person, place of business, home and vehicles. Shin is also ordered not to call Newsom’s staff members.
When Shin showed up outside Newsom’s home on Valentine’s Day at around midnight, his intention was to “engage in sexual activity,” according to San Francisco police Inspector Jeff Lindberg, who testified at Wednesday’s court hearing. Shin later bragged to friends that he and Newsom had sex, said Lindberg, who added that it was “untrue.”
Legal action was taken against Shin, “because he got in the house; that’s when he crossed the line,” Newsom told The Examiner. The restraining order against Shin is the only one filed on behalf of Newsom, according to the City Attorney’s Office. The mayor did not attend the court hearing.
Newsom’s security staff first noticed Shin’s interest in the mayor about three years ago, Lindberg testified. The 5-foot-6-inch man wasn’t considered a threat until last month, when he began to grab the mayor and demand his attention at public events, Lindberg said.
Although Shin never got into Newsom’s Russian Hill apartment, he did access the building. After he was asked to leave, he sat in his car and at one point put on purple gloves, Lindberg said. The doorman called the police, who found photographs of Newsom, among other items evidencing Shin’s obsession, in the car.
Shin has contacted other city officials — including Supervisors Bevan Dufty and Ed Jew — but with considerably less intensity.
“He was overzealous with me, but not a stalker,” Dufty said.
“When he crossed some physical boundaries, I stopped him and directly told him his conduct was unacceptable,” he said. “It ended.”
Newsom said he’s had a number of incidents with members of the public that have been “problematic,” some due to his decisions to authorize same-sex marriages and implement a housing program for homeless people.
Shin did not appear in court on Wednesday because he is in jail for a March 2 incident during which he allegedly broke into a former lover’s home and tried to run over the man’s roommate.
His older brother, Michael Shin, said that the family did not want to speak about Han Shin’s legal troubles, but said the man has a history of mental illness.
Mayor vows to remain outgoing
Mayor Gavin Newsom said a threatening stalker will not bring an increase in personal security or limit the open access the public has with the young, outgoing mayor.
Although Newsom has five plainclothes security guards on his staff, only one or two are usually on hand when he goes out, and they stay several yards away from the mayor.
During public appearances, many people approach him as if he were a celebrity or a friend. Instances such as people asking for their photo to be taken, their baby to be held or simply a “Hey, Gavin!” shouted from a car are a daily occurrence, and one the mayor does not want to stop because of this recent stalker.
“If they can’t come up to you, they’re not going to engage you in a way that’s real and substantive, which gives you perspective.”
Newsom said Wednesday that he’d prefer not to have security with him, saying “it’s intimidating for other people. When police officers are around you, people don’t come up to you.”
“I make my own way to work on my own. Every week, I walk the Tenderloin by myself, without security,” Newsom said. “For me, it’s all about maintaining perspective.”
Newsom: "I did not have sex with that man, not a single time. Not that there's anything wrong with that!"
Wouldnt put it past this freak Newsome.
In San Fran, this should make Newsome more popular.
He had his hands up his shin, and even higher, it seems.
OK I jumped on board with claiming to be the father of Anna Nicole's baby but I think I'll sit this one out.
As they say, when you lay down with dogs. Good luck Gavin. You guys built your great society of perverison. Now live in it.
ping
LOL! The other morning, my husband fessed up as well.
The jokes write themselves.
Sex Trafficking - San Francisco Is A Major Center For International Crime
Since the BS is flying, let me add that I have had sex with Kimberly.
When Ed introduces himself, does everyone say "gesundheit"?
Sounds like a perfect match for the mayor.
Oh, Han Sup Shin, you're the best.
I can't stand Newsom but I seriously doubt this happened. That Shin dude is wacked out....makes for a great conspiracy, though.
Gavin 'Any Twosome' Newsom?
Yeah, I'd believe it.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.