FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 27, 2007 

Man convicted of Lewd or Lascivious Conduct 

State Attorney Steve Meadows announces the conviction, in Holmes County Circuit Court, of Harold Allen Pate on a charge of Lewd or Lascivious Conduct on a child.   

A four males, two females jury deliberated one hour and 40 minutes before convicting Pate, 37, of fondling a 15-year old family friend on May 27, 2006.  The trial had to be stopped four times during the emotional testimony of the victim.
 
Sentencing is set for May 16 at 8:30 a.m.  Pate, a former state correctional officer, faces up to 15 years in prison.