Assault charges dismissed against ex-College of Southern Nevada professor

Felony charges against a former College of Southern Nevada professor were dismissed last year after he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor battery charge.

Michael Granata, 50, was arrested in April after an incident involving his live-in girlfriend. He initially faced several felony charges, including sexual assault and assault with a deadly weapon.

"Since the incident happened and the victim reported it, she and the defendant have married," Chief Deputy District Attorney Tom Carroll said.

He said the victim "made it very clear that her preference was to have the case resolved and negotiated."

According to the arrest report, the victim had cuts and bruises after the incident. Granata told police he was acting in self-defense and that some of her wounds were self-inflicted, according to the report.

Reached by telephone Friday in South Carolina, Granata said he now lives in Florida. Sobbing, he said he loves his wife "more than anything in the world."

A Henderson Justice Court spokeswoman said Granata, an 11-year professor in the department of human behavior at the college's Henderson campus, entered his plea in August.

A college spokeswoman said Granata voluntarily ended his employment on July 31.

After entering his plea to a charge of battery involving domestic violence, Granata was ordered to pay a $340 fine, pay $7,000 in medical bills for the victim, perform 48 hours of community service, and attend domestic violence counseling.

"He's showing progress toward completion of his sentencing requirements," Carroll said.

The Justice Court spokeswoman said Granata spent two days in custody and is scheduled to return to court for a status check on May 6.

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