Court Docs: Filner Went Off Meds During 2012 Campaign

Defense attorneys for former Mayor Bob Filner attribute some of the former congressman's aggressive behavior to a sudden stop in psychiatric medication, originally prescribed by congressional doctors.

A memo from defense lawyer Jerry Coughlan said that “the sudden disruption in his medications, coupled with long-standing issues of anxiety and the stress of assuming a new, intensely political, executive position” were contributing factors to Filner's behavior.

Probation paperwork describes the medication Filner is currently taking including: Lexapro, Buspirone and Lamictal - medications used to treat anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.

Coughlan's memo was submitted to court ahead of Filner's sentencing hearing Monday in which Filner received three years of probation and three months of home confinement with GPS monitoring. In October, Filner entered a guilty plea to felony false imprisonment and two counts of misdemeanor battery.

In the memo, Coughlan refers to letters from Drs. Robert Bray and Michael Lardon, which are under seal.

Of Filner's current medical condition, Coughlan writes: 

"His psychiatrist describes him as clinically stable, 'committed to treatment,' with an 'excellent' prognosis now that he is receiving regular and and appropriate treatment."

Filner will be allowed to attend medical and counseling sessions as well as meet monthly with his psychiatrist, according to terms of his sentencing. He also will be allowed to vote, contrary to prior reports, according to state Attorney General spokesman Nick Pacilio. 

Pacilio acknowledged the possibility that upon completion of the sentence Filner's felony charge might be reduced to a misdemeanor. That idea was floated in court Monday by Filner's defense team, but the judge did not rule on it.

Special Section: Mayor Under Fire

Filner received letters of support from his son, Adam Filner, his former fiance, Bronwyn Ingram, both of his former wives and even the attorney who is currently in a relationship with his first wife, Barbara.

His son, Adam Filner, wrote that his relationship with Filner "has been rocky." But, much of that changed over the last few years, and even more so during the last few months.

"These recent months have been some of the most trying times he has had in his life and I'm glad he has shared with me how much he has learned," Adam Filner wrote. "These lessons will live with me in my professional and personal life." 

His former wife, Jane Merrill Filner, said her former husband had been successful in righting both individual wrongs and systemic wrongs.

"He works harder than anyone I've ever known and has gone to great lengths to right a wrong or provide assistance to someone who asked for his help," she wrote.

His first wife, Barbara Filner, wrote the court that these last months have been difficult for Filner, but that he's come out of them with an ability to understand others points of view.

She wrote that his consistency "has caused both our children to view him as a 'hero' in terms of his political positions and his willingness to engage in 'battle' to support them." 

Former fiance Bronwyn Ingram wrote that Filner will continue doing what he does, which is achieve his goals.

"Although he has more work to complete on his journey of recovery, I believe he has already made significant strides in a short time and I expect that he will continue to do so until he achieves his goals," she wrote.

None of the women Filner was accused of grabbing, groping, kissing or restraining in a headlock were in court Monday. An attorney for another victim says Filner's punishment is not nearly enough. 

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