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  Connecticut: Ex-Choir Director Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Porn

Episcopal News Service [Greenwich CT]
January 22, 2007

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_81402_ENG_HTM.htm

The Associated Press (AP) reported January 22 that the former music director of Christ Church in Greenwich, Connecticut, pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography.

Robert F. Tate, 64, of Greenwich, admitted possessing between 150-300 pornographic images of children, some engaging in sexually explicit conduct, according to the AP. Prosecutors said some children in the images were younger than 12 years old.

Tate was the longtime music director of Christ Church, where former President George H.W. Bush attended services while growing up. Funeral services for his parents, Prescott Bush Sr. and Dorothy Walker Bush, were held there.

Tate oversaw the church's renowned choir programs, including those involving children. Tate traveled with the choir for performances around the country and in Europe.

Church officials have said they are unaware of any allegations that Tate had acted inappropriately with children. The church has a strict policy that prohibits adults from being alone with children.

It was reported in late October 2006 that Tate was being investigated. Tate has been behind bars since his November arrest in Los Angeles, according to the AP report.

He was expected to be released on $500,000 bond January 22 to travel to an unspecified facility in Pennsylvania, defense attorney Francis O'Reilly said.

Tate faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced April 12. Prosecutors say the case remains open and they are continuing to look into allegations of criminal misconduct.

 
 

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