By Melissa Duran
KLAS [Las Vegas NV]
February 28, 2007
http://www.klas-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6151205
George Chaanine, the Catholic priest charged with attacking and sexually assaulting a member of his church, appeared before a judge Tuesday while his alleged victim testified.
The woman says Rev. George Chaanine attacked her Jan. 26 at Our Lady of Las Vegas Catholic Church, where he served as an administrator and priest and she worked as a cantor.
Michelina Bellamy gave graphic details of the attack that left her with gash in her head that took 20 staples to close.
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| George Chaanine hears testimony from Michelina Bellamy in court on Feb. 27, 2007. |
In front of church members who lined courtroom pews, an emotional Michaelina Bellamy fought through tears as she gave details of an attack that left her emotionally and physically scarred.
The judge did not allow Eyewitness News to videotape her face because she is an alleged sexual assault victim.
Bellamy testified, "I'm bleeding and he grabbed my hair and started pulling me and started hitting my back, my lower back. I fell on my knees. He's grabbing me. I'm being pulled down the hallway screaming, help me, help me. Somebody help me."
It was the first time Chaanine and Bellamy laid eyes on each other since the attack in the church office.
Bellamy continued with her testimony and then with no hesitation, she identified her alleged attacker. "Father George Chaanine. And he's not a priest, he's a predator."
But the defense focused on Chaanine's relationship with Bellamy saying the two often went to lunch with each other and the victim accepted gifts from Chaanine despite knowing his feelings.
"He's a priest. He's not supposed to make a confession that he's in love with somebody. He's not supposed to do that. Priest are bound by law, Catholic law, that they are married to the church," Bellamy said.
Bob Massi, Michaelina Bellamy's attorney, said, "There wasn't anything more and presuming there was something more I don't see how that justifies trying to kill somebody. So, I don't know how you make that quantum leap."
Judge Douglas Smith believed there was enough evidence to bound Chaanine over to district court on charges ranging from sexual assault to attempted murder, meaning this might not be the last time Bellamy, Chaanine and on-looking church members face each other.
Chaanine is set to make his first district court appearance on March 15th. He was placed back in jail under no bond.
The 52-year-old priest eluded police for six days before being captured near Phoenix on Feb. 1. He was suspended with pay from his role as administrator at the parish in a neighborhood northwest of the Las Vegas Strip.
Attorney Bob Massi says they may file civil charges against the Diocese of Las Vegas and Chaanine on a later date.
Email your comments to Reporter Melissa Duran.
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