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LISBON -- A man accused of engaging in sexual activity with a 13-year-old child earlier this year is scheduled to face a jury trial on Feb. 9 in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court.
Wayne R. Tate, 51, Broadway Avenue, Wellsville, appeared Friday for a pretrial before Common Pleas Court Judge Megan Bickerton, accompanied by defense attorney James Melfi, who was there on behalf of Tate's defense attorney David Betras.
A final status hearing was set for 9:20 a.m. Jan. 8.
During the hearing, Bickerton addressed a motion for reduction of bond, ruling against it.
Tate's bond was set at $200,000 cash or surety.
County Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Bonish argued against a reduction in bond, admitting that Tate had no criminal record, but the victim was only 13 at the time of the offenses and DNA evidence matches the defendant. Plus he was arrested in Pennsylvania and could flee Ohio if the bond is reduced. She also said she wants a no contact order with the victim in the case.
Melfi said he had no issue with the no contact order and said his client would consent to wearing a bracelet for electronically monitored house arrest. The defendant told the judge he would be staying in Monaca, Pa., just outside Ohio, with a relative, but she denied the motion to reduce the bond.
Tate was charged with five counts of sexual battery for allegedly engaging in sexual activity with a 13-year-old child on Feb. 8 this year.
mgreier@mojonews.com