San Luis Obispo man sentenced for sexual assault crimes
Nathan Daniel Abate, 36.
Judge imposes maximum sentence
– San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow announced this week that Nathan Daniel Abate, 36, has been sentenced to custody in state prison for eight years and eight months after a jury found him guilty of sexual assault crimes against two victims. The crimes occurred between 2009 and 2012.
On Oct. 18, 2024, a San Luis Obispo County jury found Abate guilty of three counts of sexual assault on two separate victims which occurred between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 21, 2012. During the thirteen-day trial, Deputy District Attorney Kimberly Dittrich presented the jury with evidence demonstrating a clear and consistent pattern of sexual abuse by Abate where he provided alcohol to young women after which he sexually assaulted them.
Abate was convicted of the following crimes: rape by force or violence (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 rape by force or violence of a third victim, with nine of the twelve jurors 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.
Today’s sentence of eight years and eight months custody in prison imposed by Superior Court Judge Michael S. Frye is the maximum sentence allowed under California law for these specific criminal convictions.
“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,” said District Attorney Dan Dow. “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.”
If you have been a victim of sexual assault, 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.
This case was investigated by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, San Luis Obispo Police Department, and District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation Senior Investigator Tim Murphy, and was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Kimberly Dittrich who is assigned to the Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit. Victim Advocate Kevin Murphy and Courthouse Dog “Edgar” assisted the victims through the justice process.
