Rep. Filner fined $100

LEESBURG, Va., Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., was fined $100 in a Virginia court Monday for his run-in with an airline worker at Dulles International Airport.

Under the Alford Plea Filner entered in Loudoun County General District Court, the misdemeanor assault and battery charge against him was reduced to trespassing, The Washington Post reported Tuesday. Filner did not admit guilt in the Aug. 19 dispute over luggage but acknowledged there was enough evidence for a conviction, the newspaper said.

Filner apologized afterward, saying he was frustrated by a delayed flight, delayed luggage and a lack of information from United Airlines.

"However, I wrongly took out my frustration on the 'front office' baggage employees," he said in a statement. "... I overreacted, I behaved discourteously, and I shouldn't have."

An initial police report alleged Filner "pushed aside the employee's outstretched arm" when he tried to enter an off-limits area of United Airlines' baggage claim office and then allegedly refused to leave when asked. But Filner said Monday he "did not strike, push or shove anyone."

Loudoun Commonwealth's Attorney James E. Plowman said Monday it was ultimately determined the incident was not as serious as initially thought.

"It was minor contact," he said.