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	What's Next for Father George Chaanine? KVBC September 21, 2007 http://www.kvbc.com/Global/story.asp?S=7112230&nav=15MV In a little more than a month the priest who pleaded guilty to battery will find out how long he'll spend in jail. At first, George Chaanine told the Review Journal he was innocent. But as News 3's Robert Santos reports, he later struck a plea bargain with the District Attorney's Office. George Chaanine, a Catholic priest, remains jailed at the Clark County Detention Center, after pleading guilty to hitting Michaelina Bellamy in the head with a wine bottle. Originally, Chaanine was charged with sexual assault and kidnapping. But in exchange for the state dismissing those charges, Chaanine pleaded guilty to battery with a deadly weapon. "Father Chaanine's been up front since the beginning. He's admitted culpability for striking Ms. Bellamy with a bottle," public defender Scott Coffee said. "He's denied the other charges all along. (There is) no physical evidence to support the charge of sexual assault." Officials at Our Lady of Las Vegas Catholic Church, where the incident happened back in January, declined to comment and so did the bishop. But his public relations firm did e-mail News 3 with the following statement, which reads, in part: It goes without saying that we are saddened that this incident ever took place and our thoughts and prayers have and continue to be with everyone who has been affected by this. "He is sorry for what happened," Coffee said. "I think it's a situation where he just snapped. I haven't talked to him directly about what he wants to say to the congregation. I think he'll have to mend those fences himself." Initially Chaanine faced the potential to be sentenced to life if he was found guilty of sexual assault or kidnapping. He now faces a maximum sentence of fifteen years with the chance for parole at six years or he could just get probation. Chaanine, as of September 21, has been in jail for nine months. His bail is still set at $1 million. His attorney may ask a judge to reduce that amount. News 3 called Michaelina Bellamy's attorney to request an interview. He said neither he nor Bellamy would be making any comment on camera. As for Chaanine's future as a priest, he remains suspended. The diocese refused to comment any further.
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