PRESS CONTACTS:
SSA David M. Staretz 702-584-5519

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 01, 2007

Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Las Vegas Division, Steven M. Martinez, announced today, February 01, 2007, that fugitive Reverend George Chaanine, age 52, wanted out of Las Vegas, Nevada, was located and arrested, without incident, at Apache Junction, mile marker 197, approximately 30 miles outside of Phoenix, Arizona. On January 31, 2006, a federal arrest warrant was issued charging Chaanine with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

Chaanine is charged in Las Vegas with kidnapping in the 1 st degree, attempted murder, battery with substantial bodily harm and sexual assault with a dangerous weapon.

The investigation into Chaanine’s whereabouts was conducted by the Las Vegas Criminal Apprehension Team, made up of law enforcement personnel from the FBI, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the Henderson Police Department.

In addition, SAC Martinez would like to recognize and greatly appreciates the investigative and arrest efforts of the Phoenix FBI, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the Mesa Police Department .