Harassed by Mayor Filner? Call this Hotline.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department will be the lead investigative agency for any sexual harassment complaints against San Diego Mayor Bob Filner, according to statements issued Saturday by the department and District Attorney's Office.

The decision came following a discussion among area law enforcement leaders, according to the two agencies.

Sheriff Bill Gore called the allegations, publicly aired for the first time last week by three of Filner's former supporters, "extremely sensitive matters.'' He said the agency will not release details of ongoing investigations, and the alleged victims will be provided anonymity.

A hotline has been set up at 619-481-0220. The Sheriff's Department said the number should only be used by those willing to come forward with information.

Any cases that arise will be handled by Capt. Duncan Fraser of the sheriff's Central Investigations unit.

"I very much welcome the fact that some of these allegations will finally be addressed by an appropriate investigative authority rather than by press conference and innuendo,'' Filner said. "As I have stated before, everyone deserves due process and I am encouraged an effort to implement that has begun.''

From City News Service