Sausalito city manager arrested on felony burglary charges after three weeks on the job
Elaine Forbes, the newly appointed city manager of Sausalito, was taken into custody on burglary charges after allegedly boarding and attempting to start a yacht at a local dock early Saturday.
The Marin County Sheriff’s Office arrested Elaine Forbes, 53, the city manager of Sausalito, shortly before 7 a.m. on Saturday on felony burglary charges. The incident occurred at a harbor near a restaurant, where deputies say Forbes boarded at least two vessels, including a yacht called the Lisa Marie, and attempted to operate the boat’s controls.
Yacht captain Bill Aubrey reported hearing a horn around 5:30 a.m. and finding Forbes inside the wheelhouse. He said she responded politely when asked to leave. Witnesses said a boat horn sounded continuously for nearly two hours before police arrived.
Forbes, who began her role on July 1 with a salary of $275,000 after nine years leading the Port of San Francisco, had been placed on an immediate leave of absence by the Sausalito City Council on Thursday, though officials did not disclose the reason.
The city issued a brief statement calling the development “difficult” for staff and residents and said it would not comment further while the investigation is ongoing. A spokesperson for Forbes’ family asked the public to withhold judgment and noted that she is receiving legal and health counsel.
Forbes remained in custody as of Sunday afternoon, according to booking records.