Friday, February 8, 2013

Shooting Coach Convicted On One Count of Child Molestation

Professional shooting coach William Leonard "Billy" Abbate, 46, of McDonough, Georgia, has been found guilty of one count of child molestation. Abbate will be sentenced February 15 and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. Jurors rejected 23 of the 24 counts alleging that Abbate carried on a longterm sexual relationship with one of his students. The count on which Abbate was convicted alleged that he provided a sex toy for the girl to use. Abbate now faces similar charges in the girl's home state of Virginia. Abbate has maintained his innocence throughout the case and his attorney, Steve Lister, told jurors evidence was manufactured against his client.