ATASCADERO, Calif. — A San Luis Obispo County jury convicted 36-year-old Nathan Daniel Abate of multiple sexual assault charges on Friday, Oct. 18. The verdict followed a 13-day trial focusing on offenses committed between 2009 and 2012. Abate now faces a scheduled sentencing on Nov. 12.
The jury found Abate guilty on three counts relating to two victims: Forcible Rape, Rape of an Intoxicated Victim, and Oral Copulation of a Person Under the Age of 18. However, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision on a fourth charge of Forcible Rape involving a third victim, with nine jurors favoring conviction.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution presented evidence of a pattern of behavior in which Abate allegedly provided alcohol to young women and subsequently assaulted them. The jury validated five aggravating factors that underscored the severity of Abate’s actions, including the particular vulnerability of the victims, the inducement of a minor to participate in the criminal activity, the calculated and sophisticated nature of the crimes, abuse of trust, and engagement in violent behavior posing significant societal risk.
SLO County District Attorney Dan Dow praised the courage of the victims, highlighting the difficult emotions and shame often battled by those who suffer sexual assault. Dow’s statement reinforced the message that the convictions serve as a testament to the criminal justice system’s commitment to holding offenders accountable and supporting survivors.
Support services for sexual assault victims were also emphasized, pointing out local resources available to assist survivors in navigating their recovery and the legal process. These include the Lumina Alliance and the Christopher G. Money Victim Witness Assistance Center in San Luis Obispo.
Presided over by Judge Michael S. Frye, the trial has led to Abate’s current detention in the San Luis Obispo County Jail as he awaits his sentencing. The investigative efforts that led to the prosecution involved collaboration between the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, the local Police Department, and the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation. Deputy District Attorney Kimberly Dittrich, assigned to the Sexual Assault & Child Abuse Unit, led the prosecution.
The case has drawn attention to both the pervasive issues of sexual violence and the legal mechanisms in place to combat such offenses, underscoring the importance of legal frameworks that support the rights and recovery of victims.
As events continue to unfold, community members and advocates await the final sentencing of Abate, which may further influence discussions on sexual violence laws and victim support systems within the region.
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