FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 16, 2007

Beach man sentenced for Lewd or Lascivious Conduct

State Attorney Steve Meadows announces the sentencing, in Holmes County Circuit Court, of Harold Allen Pate on a charge of Lewd or Lascivious Conduct on a child. Pate was sentenced to 15 years prison with credit for 23 days.

Pate, 38, who listed a Memorial Circle, Panama City Beach address, was convicted, at trial, on April 27. The charge involved the fondling of a 15-year old family friend.

The father of the victim provided an emotional statement, as to the impact of the crime on his daughter and the family. The defendant was formerly a correctional officer at Washington Correctional Institution.

Florida law requires that an inmate serve at least 85 per cent of the sentence.