Tanner Fite.
– District Attorney Dan Dow announced this week that San Luis Obispo County Superior Court Judge Jesse Marino has sentenced Tanner Williamdean Fite (23) of Atascadero to five years in state prison for sex crimes committed on an 11-year-old.
On July 26, 2024, a San Luis Obispo County jury found Tanner Fite guilty of four counts of committing a lewd act on a child under the age of 14. The victim was 11 years old when the crimes occurred between September and October 2023 in the City of San Luis Obispo. Each count is a violent offense “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law.
At trial, jurors heard testimony directly from the young survivor about the incidents. The jury also received evidence that Fite had viewed 25 pornographic videos during the time he was babysitting the victim and that he hid evidence from law enforcement that was later discovered during the investigation.
At today’s sentencing hearing, Judge Marino found true three factors in aggravation:
- The victim was particularly vulnerable,
- Fite took advantage of a position of trust while committing the crimes, and
- Fite engaged in violent conduct indicating a serious danger to society.
- Judge Marino also found the two factors in mitigation existed:
- Fite had an insignificant record of criminal conduct, and
- Fite was under 26 years of age at the time he committed the crimes (he was 22).
During the sentencing hearing, Deputy District Attorney Kimberly Dittrich argued that Fite should receive the maximum sentence of 14 years. However, Hon. Judge Jesse J. Marino sentenced Fite to serve a low-term of only 5 years in state prison. Fite faced a maximum of 14 years and the San Luis Obispo County Probation Department filed with the Court a sentencing recommendation for 12 years in prison.
“In San Luis Obispo County, we vigorously prosecute child predators and fully enforce California law to protect children – our most vulnerable citizens,” said District Attorney Dan Dow. “While we are disappointed with the light prison sentence, I am very proud of the young victim who displayed immense strength when she reported the crime and later testified in court. Her courage will inspire other survivors to report so that justice can be served to predators like Mr. Fite.”
This case was investigated by the San Luis Obispo City Police Department. Detective Jeff Koznek was lead investigator. Monterey County District Attorney’s Office assisted by providing Courthouse Dog Norma Jean to sit with the young victim in court while she testified. This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Kimberly R. Dittrich assigned to the Sexual Assault Prosecution Unit.
Man convicted of four felony child sex crimes
– San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow announced this week that a San Luis Obispo County jury has convicted a San Luis Obispo resident of committing multiple acts of sexual abuse of a minor.
After an eight-day jury trial, the San Luis Obispo County jury deliberated and quickly returned their verdicts. The jury heard evidence including testimony from the minor victim that Tanner Williamdean Fite, 23, committed four separate sexual acts on Oct. 15, 2023.
During the course of the trial, it was determined that the defendant hid evidence from law enforcement that was later discovered and shown to the jury. Evidence included cyber forensic data retrieved from the defendant’s cell phone that revealed the defendant had viewed 25 pornographic videos during the time he was babysitting the child victim.
“I am very proud of the young victim who displayed great courage when she reported the crime and later testified in court,” said District Attorney Dan Dow. “Her courage will inspire other survivors to report so that justice can be served to predators like Mr. Fite.”
The Honorable Judge Jesse Marino will sentence the defendant on Oct. 4, 2024, in Department 10 of the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court. The maximum possible sentence is 14 years in state prison. The defendant will be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the San Luis Obispo City Police Department. Detective Jeff Koznek was lead investigator. Monterey County District Attorney’s Office assisted by providing Courthouse Dog Norma Jean to sit with the young victim in court while she testified. This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Kimberly R. Dittrich assigned to the Sexual Assault Prosecution Unit.