S.F. Sex Parlor Owner Given 6-Year Prison Term for Killing His Brother
San Francisco pornography king Jim Mitchell was sentenced Friday to six years in prison for the shooting death last year of his brother and business partner, Artie Mitchell.
In issuing the sentence, Marin County Superior Court Judge Richard Breiner said Mitchell, who was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and using a firearm in commission of a crime, acted with “criminal sophistication.” Breiner released Mitchell on $500,000 bail pending an appeal.
The judge had the option of imposing probation or a prison term ranging from six years to 11 years.
San Francisco Mayor Frank Jordan and Sheriff Michael Hennessey were among 100 people who wrote letters urging compassion. Jordan noted in an April 19 letter that that Mitchell, 48, is responsible for raising 10 children--four of his own and six of Artie’s.
The brothers ran the O’Farrell Theater, a sex parlor in downtown San Francisco, and produced X-rated movies such as “Behind the Green Door.”
Prosecutor John Posey criticized the defense for manipulating the media to win support for Mitchell.
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