Nathan Daniel Abate’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 12

ATASCADERO — On Friday, Oct. 18, a San Luis Obispo County Jury returned guilty verdicts against Nathan Daniel Abate, 36, for sexual assault crimes against two victims. The crimes occurred between 2009 and 2012. The verdicts were returned Friday afternoon after a 13-day trial. 

Abate was convicted by the jury of three counts of sexual assault on two separate victims, which occurred between Jan. 1, 2009, and Dec. 21, 2012. During the trial, the jury received evidence describing many acts of sexual assault against several young female victims over the course of several years. Prosecutors presented evidence demonstrating a consistent pattern of conduct by Abate, where he provided alcohol to youthful women, after which he sexually assaulted them.

Abate was convicted of the following crimes: Forcible Rape (Count 2), Rape of an Intoxicated Victim (Count 3), and Oral Copulation of a Person Under the Age of 18 (Count 4). The jury was deadlocked on Count 1, an allegation of Forcible Rape of a third victim, with nine of the 12 voting for guilt.  

The jury also found true five factors in aggravation including: 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 Abate engaged in violent conduct that posed a serious danger to society. 

“I want to commend the young women who bravely reported the crimes that had occurred when they were much younger and so vulnerable,” said SLO County District Attorney Dan Dow. “Unfortunately, those who are victimized by sexual assault often feel shame and carry emotional pain by the abuse that should never have been inflicted upon them. The courage of these women to speak up and to testify, together with these guilty verdicts, will show other victims that there can be accountability for their abusers in our criminal and victim justice system. I also thank the jurors for their time and attention in serving on this very important case.”

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. You 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 San Luis Obispo County Christopher G. Money Victim Witness Assistance Center can also assist you. Contact the center at (805) 781-5821.

The Honorable Judge Michael S. Frye presided over the jury trial. After the verdicts were read, the defendant was remanded to custody in the San Luis Obispo County Jail pending his sentencing hearing that is scheduled for Nov. 12 in Department 6 of the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court. This case was investigated by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, San Luis Obispo Police Department, and the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation and wasprosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Kimberly Dittrich, who is assigned to the Sexual Assault & Child Abuse Unit.

Feature Image: Nathan Daniel Abate