GLENDALE : Teen-Ager Pleads Guilty to Vandalizing Church

Phillip Michael Dunigan, accused of painting satanic symbols and anti-Christian slogans on a Glendale church, carried a Bible into a Los Angeles courtroom and pleaded guilty to a single count of vandalizing religious property.

In exchange for his plea, prosecutors agreed to drop hate crime allegations against the 18-year-old Dunigan when he returns to court for sentencing May 30. He also will be spared a state prison term.

“He’s a great kid,” said defense attorney Tonya Deetz. “He’s not a satanist.”

Dunigan, who has no criminal record, was clean-cut and polite as he entered his plea before Los Angeles Municipal Judge Elva Soper, answering the judge’s questions, “Yes, ma’am,” or “No, ma’am.”

On Monday, Soper ordered Dunigan to remain in custody on $200,000 bail until sentencing.

Under terms of his plea, Dunigan will remain on probation for three years, serve six months in County Jail and perform 100 hours of community service, Deputy Dist. Atty. Ellen Aragon said. He also will pay $327.25 to the United Methodist Church of Glendale to help pay for painting over the anti-Christian slogans that were spray-painted on the church Feb. 26.