DSP News Release: Mountaire Farms Security Manager Charged in Sexual Assault Investigation

Location:

• 29005 John J. Williams Highway Millsboro, De (Mountaire Farms)

DATE and TIME:

• Between October 2010 and July 2011

Victim(s):

• 66 year old Sussex County woman
• 35 year old Sussex County woman
• 34 year old Sussex County woman
• 49 year old Sussex County woman

Defendant(s) Charge(s) and Bond Information:

• Ronald F. Tate-53 Lincoln, De
• 14 counts Rape Second Degree Without Consent
• 2 counts Sexual Extortion
• 3 count Unlawful Sexual Contact Third Degree
• Sexual Harassment
• Sussex Correctional Institute $415,000 secured bond

 Resume:

 Millsboro- Tuesday July 26, 2011 the Delaware State Police charged Mountaire Farms Security and Facility Manager Ronald F. Tate-53 of Lincoln in a sexual assault investigation that was started on July 14^th 2011. 

The Delaware State Police Major Crimes Unit began their investigation into alleged sexual misconduct by Tate on July 14^th when they were contacted by officials from the Mountaire Farms facility located near Millsboro Delaware. 

State Police detectives were advised of allegations made by current female employees regarding unwanted, continuous sexual advances and encounters initiated by Tate. 

State Police investigators July 21, 2011 conducted independent interviews of four alleged victims in order to gain specifics surrounding the alleged sexual misconduct. 

The investigation revealed that between October 2010 and July of 2011 Tate at least 14 times sexually assaulted two of the 4 victims inside his office located on the Mountaire Farms complex, John J. Williams Highway Millsboro Delaware. 

The two other victims reported that on several occasions Tate inappropriately touched parts of their bodies which made them feel uncomfortable while inside his office or while acting in his official capacity as the plant security manager. 

Tate has been charged with 14 counts of Rape 2^nd Degree without Consent, 2 counts of Sexual Extortion, 3 counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact 3^rd Degree and Sexual Harassment.  Tate was remanded to the Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of $415,000 secured bond. 

Delaware State Police investigators are continuing their criminal investigation into these allegations. 

To offer information regarding this investigation, please contact the Delaware State Police at 302-856-5850 ext 218.

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Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). 

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Tipsters may also call to provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.