SLO man convicted of sexually abusing girl he was babysitting
A San Luis Obispo man was convicted Friday of sexually abusing a girl he was babysitting.
Tanner William Dean Fite, 23, was convicted of abusing a minor under the age of 14 four times on Oct. 15, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.
The girl was 11 years old at the time of Fite’s arrest, according to police.
Assistant District Attorney Eric Dobroth told The Tribune that Fite also viewed pornographic videos while he was babysitting the girl that day.
Cyber forensic data from Fite’s phone showed he viewed 25 pornographic videos, the news release said. After the eight-day trial, the release said, the jury “quickly returned their verdicts.”
“I am very proud of the young victim who displayed great courage when she reported the crime and later testified in court,” San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow said in the release. “Her courage will inspire other survivors to report so that justice can be served to predators like Mr. Fite.”
Fite is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 4, 2024. He faces a maximum of 14 years in state prison and will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release.
Shelter-in-place ordered during arrest
Fite was arrested on Oct. 29 after San Luis Obispo police officers served a search warrant at his home in 1200 block of West Newport Street.
Police ordered the neighborhood to shelter in place as they carried out the warrant.
The backyard fence was broken down, and the house’s front door showed signs of being forced open.
Officers found Fite illegally purchased a “Glock-style handgun” on Oct. 17 and an “AK47-style rifle” on Oct. 18, police said at the time.
Police also searched a home on the 3800 block of South Higuera Street that was “frequented by Fite.”
This story was originally published July 26, 2024 at 5:27 PM.
