Man convicted of sodomy sentenced to prison

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) -  

A man who was found guilty of two counts of second degree sodomy against a 15-year-old was sentenced Thursday, February 21. Judge John Lockett sentenced him to eight and a half years in prison. Tate is also required to register as a sex offender.

Sherman Tate, 38, was convicted of the charge on January 18, 2013.

Tate worked with Mobile area schools as a mentor prior to his arrest in 2010.

Assistant District Attorney Nicki Patterson fought for a longer sentence fearing Tate may have contact with young people in the future.

"To me, you've been convicted of sodomizing two young girls. You were being paid to mentor, and it sounded to me as if he and his supporters were saying if he were out of jail, he would be right back to mentoring vulnerable young women,” said Petterson

Friends of Tate said he was a good mentor and believe he was framed.

“She (one of the victims) has always lied and in our family, we don't even allow her at the house because she stolen from my grandmother. She's stolen from me,” said Aquanetta Mixon.” A man that could have helped so many youth that are in trouble they took his name and they smeared it because of a lie.”

One of the victims stood up in court Thursday and said she is “glad this chapter is closed” and she can move forward.

The victim’s mother said she’s pleased with the sentence Tate was given and glad it’s “all over”.

Once Tate is out of jail, Patterson said he is required to register as a sex offender.