WASHINGTON - Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., entered a plea days before he was set for trial on assault and battery charges over allegations he pushed a United Airlines baggage employee at Dulles International Airport.

At a hearing in Loudoun County's General District Court on Monday, Filner entered a so-called Alford plea to trespassing, according to a statement issued through his attorney. That means he did not admit guilt, but acknowledged sufficient evidence exists for a conviction.

He was fined $100, according to the court clerk.

Filner was accused in the Aug. 19 incident of trying to barge past a female baggage worker into an employee-only area after his bags were delayed. He was set for trial Dec. 4.

The baggage worker, Joanne Kay Kunkel, alleged in a criminal complaint that Filner shoved past other customers, screamed at employees and repeatedly pushed at her. He yelled "You can't stop me," according to her complaint.

Filner apologized in a statement Monday but denied any physical violence.

"At the time, it wouldn't have occurred to me that entering an airport office under these circumstances would be considered trespassing. But I understand now that, since I was told to stay out, it can be considered trespass. That's why I'm entering what I understand is called an Alford plea: I did, in fact, go back there," Filner said.

"I want to make clear that I did not strike, push, or shove anyone," he said. "It's very important to me that the record be clear on this point. Nor did I seek any sort of special treatment because I was a congressman."

Filner is in his eighth term representing California's 51st Congressional District that borders Mexico. He chairs the Veterans Affairs Committee.