Nathan Daniel Abate was convicted of three sexually violent crimes against two women

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. – On Friday, San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow announced that Nathan Daniel Abate was convicted by a jury of three counts of sexual assault against two separate survivors following a 13-day trial.

Abate was convicted of forcible rape, rape of an intoxicated victim and oral copulation of a person under 18, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release Friday.

The jury remained deadlocked on the forcible rape charge of a third survivor. Nine of 12 jurors voted for guilty, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office said.

According to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office, the jury also found the following aggravating factors:

• The victims were particularly at risk
• Inducing a minor to participate in the crime
• Crimes were carried out with planning and sophistication
• Violation of a position of trust in the commission of the crimes
• Engaged in violent behavior that poses a serious threat to society

During the nearly three-week trial, the jury was presented with evidence detailing multiple acts of sexual violence against several young female survivors between January 2009 and Dec. 21, 2012, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office said.

“I want to commend the young women who courageously reported the crimes that occurred when they were much younger and so vulnerable,” said District Attorney Dan Dow. “Unfortunately, those who are victims of sexual assault often experience feelings of shame and emotional pain from the abuse that should never have been inflicted on them. The courage of these women to speak out and testify, along with these guilty verdicts, will show otherwise.” I want to show victims that there can be accountability for their perpetrators in our criminal and victim justice system. I also thank the jury for their time and attention in handling this very important case.”

Following the reading of the verdicts, Abate was remanded to custody at the San Luis Obispo County Jail pending his sentencing hearing, currently scheduled for November 12, 2024 in Department 6 of the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court, according to the San Luis Obispo District Attorney’s Office County explained.

If you or someone you know has survived a sexual assault, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office encourages you to contact law enforcement at the scene of the incident.

The Christopher G. Money Victim Witness Assistance Center of San Luis Obispo County can also help. The center can be reached at 805-781-5821.