Gorman football star pleads no contest

A former Bishop Gorman High School student followed through with a plea bargain Wednesday that allows him to keep his football scholarship and his freedom.

Justin Chaisson, 18, appeared in District Court and pleaded no contest to four gross misdemeanors in connection with a March incident involving his ex-girlfriend.

District Judge Stefany Miley accepted the terms of his plea agreement and sentenced him to a maximum of three years' probation. She also ordered him to perform 120 hours of community service while on probation.

Chaisson's performance as a defensive end at Bishop Gorman earned him a full scholarship to football powerhouse Oklahoma, and the senior is expected to begin classes at the university this fall.

Defense attorney Michael Cristalli told Miley his client "is going to be a very busy person and working hard toward all of his endeavors during the next four years."

The judge said she wants Chaisson to return to court during the winter break, and she scheduled a status hearing for Dec. 23. "I want to make sure that you stay out of trouble, sir," Miley said.

If Chaisson fails to do so, he could be jailed for four years under the sentence imposed.

Chaisson pleaded no contest to two counts of false imprisonment, one count of conspiracy to commit false imprisonment and/or coercion, and one count of malicious destruction of property. He didn't make a statement to the judge and declined a request for comment as he left the hearing with his parents.

According to a sentencing memorandum prepared by Cristalli, "Justin acknowledges and accepts responsibility for his actions and humbly apologizes ... for his behavior."

Peter Weinburgh, Bishop Gorman's athletic director, was among those who submitted letters in support of Chaisson. "I am able, without hesitation, to vouch for the character and maturity of this individual," Weinburgh wrote.

Oklahoma also has extended an offer "to assist in any court-imposed conditions," according to Cristalli.

Last week, Chaisson appeared in Justice Court and pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors, coercion and battery constituting domestic violence, in connection with the same incident. Cristalli said the Justice Court sentence requires his client to complete long-term domestic violence counseling and 48 hours of community service.

Chaisson was arrested after a March 17 incident that began at Bishop Gorman. Prosecutors initially charged him with four felonies, including assault with a deadly weapon.

According to a Las Vegas police report, witnesses said Chaisson and his ex-girlfriend argued in the school parking lot before Chaisson followed the 17-year-old girl to a coffee shop at 6105 S. Fort Apache Road. Outside the coffee shop, Chaisson grabbed her arm and forced her into the back seat of his sport utility vehicle. His younger brother was in the back seat.

The girl told police Chaisson punched her in the ribs and drove her to the desert before pulling her out of the vehicle. She said he then placed a screwdriver to her neck and threatened to kill her.

Cristalli said the court record contains no finding or admission that Chaisson threatened the girl with a screwdriver. It does contain a finding that he damaged her vehicle.

One of the victim's friends called 911 while following Chaisson's vehicle. The incident ended after Chaisson drove his ex-girlfriend to a storage facility and told her to exit his vehicle. Miley ordered Chaisson to stay away from the victim, who did not attend the hearing.

Cristalli said his client has not returned to school since the incident but is working toward his high school diploma.

Contact reporter Carri Geer Thevenot at cgeer@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-8135.