Nathan Abate, 36, was convicted of sexual assault that occurred over several years against two separate victims.
A San Luis Obispo jury convicted a SLO man of sexually assaulting two women in separate incidents over a 3-year period.
District Attorney Dan Dow said the jury found Nathan Daniel Abate, 36, “guilty of three counts of sexual assault on two separate victims which occurred between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 21, 2012.”
The prosecutor, Dep. D.A. Kimberly Dittrich, “presented the jury with evidence demonstrating a clear and consistent pattern of sexual abuse by Abate, where he provided alcohol to youthful women after which he sexually assaulted them,” the news release said.
Abate was convicted of rape by force or violence; rape of an intoxicated victim; and oral copulation of a person under the age of 18.
However, the jury was deadlocked on allegations of “rape by force or violence of a third victim, with nine of the 12 jurors voting for guilt,” the release said.
They also found him guilty of five aggravating factors — the victims were particularly vulnerable; Abate induced a minor to participate in the crime; the crimes were carried out with planning and sophistication; Abate violated a position of trust when committing his crimes; and he “engaged in violent conduct that posed a serious danger to society.”
Judge Michael Frye handed down the harshest sentence applicable under the law — 8-years and 8-months in State Prison.
D.A. Dow said, “The jury verdict and this appropriate prison sentence tells all sexual assault survivors in San Luis Obispo County that we are here for you, we will listen, and we will tirelessly seek accountability and justice no matter when the crime occurred.
“I am proud of our hardworking team of law enforcement, victim advocates, and prosecutors who seek truth and justice every day in our courthouse for those in our community who have been harmed.”
The case was investigated by the County Sheriff’s Department, SLOPD and the D.A.’s Bureau of Investigation Senior Investigator Tim Murphy. Victim Advocate Kevin Murphy and Courthouse comfort dog “Edgar” assisted the victims through the trial.
The D.A. had a message for sexual assault victims. “If you have been the victim of sexual assault, please know that there are individuals and organizations that are willing and able to support you.”
Victims are “encouraged to contact the local law enforcement agency where the crime occurred and/or a crime victim organization such as Lumina Alliance in San Luis Obispo.” The County’s Christopher G. Money Victim Witness Assistance Center will also help, call (805) 781-5821.
