Tate Found Guilty Of Battery

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Former Mitchell High School teacher Andrew Tate leaving federal court after jurors find him guilty of battery to a former student.

By KSFY Staff

Story Created: Jul 2, 2008 at 8:41 PM CST

Story Updated: Jul 2, 2008 at 9:35 PM CST

Late Wednesday afternoon, a federal jury in Sioux Falls ruled the Mitchell School District is not responsible for the behavior of a former teacher who touched a student inappropriately.

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The jury also ruled former teacher Andrew Tate committed battery when he touched Britney Plamp during her senior year two years ago. She will not receive any damages from the verdict but told KSFY the case wasn't about money to begin with.

"I'm happy with the verdict that the jury came out and said that Mr. Tate did batter me and touch me inappropriately. I do disagree that the school is not held responsible for his touching me," said Plamp.

The jury's deliberations were delayed several hours this morning after a juror brought a dictionary into the courthouse, which defied a judge's order. The judge and attorneys met for several hours before deciding the dictionary had not affected the jury's ability to deliver a fair verdict.

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Wednesday, Jul 9 at 11:20 PM Anonymous wrote ...

DOES HE HAVE A RETURN DATE TO BE SENTENCED???IF HE IS GUILTY OF BATTERY IS THERE NO JAIL TIME OR FINDS??

Friday, Jul 4 at 1:40 AM sam wrote ...

Seems all you Mitchell bloggers only care about the money, you don't seem to care about the truth just your pocketbook. Think about the pain this young girl has been living with.

Thursday, Jul 3 at 6:01 PM Todd D. wrote ...

It's about the money people. Too bad the Gold Digger didn't get any money! I'd hate to be the next guy who runs into that psycho

Thursday, Jul 3 at 5:02 PM T wrote ...

Anonymous and Sam, both Huron and Willy are writing that justice has been served by the jury finding Mr. Tate guilty. What they're disagreeing with is that Ms. Plamp said, "It isn't about the money." If that was the case then Ms. Plamp should have filed an instance of neglect and let the jury decide on the award. $750,000 is a ridiculous amount to sue for. I agree that she should not get a dime. I think the jury made the correct choice in finding Mr. Tate guity, and not the school district.

Thursday, Jul 3 at 12:04 PM Sam wrote ...

sure wonder who the Huron blogger is. How about signing your name. Give Brittany a break,what would you do if this happened to you or yours. Think about it, teachers are there to protect and lead. I do beleive their were many reports from many other girls in different towns. Just think about it before you put Brittany down. Head up Brit. Good Luck to you.

Thursday, Jul 3 at 10:42 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Willy and Huron I hope that you do not have any children. If you do I hope they never have to go through what Brittany did, because I highly doubt you would ever support them. Andy Tate used his authority to put his hand under Brittany's shirt and touch. He continued to touch in other places. You really do not understand, so please do us all a favor and keep quiet.

Thursday, Jul 3 at 8:56 AM jarvis wrote ...

I agree this was about money and I hope Mitchell School Dist tells the insurance company to go after her. Give her a taste of it isn't about money. Good job Judge and Jury you did the best you could.

Thursday, Jul 3 at 7:41 AM Deal over? wrote ...

So is this over with now? Tate is done with the courts or not? I'm just wondering?

Thursday, Jul 3 at 6:51 AM Huron wrote ...

If it wasn't about the money then why did she sue for 750k? like she wouldn't have take it if she was awarded it? GIVE ME A BREAK. I'm happy that Brittany got nothing. I hope she has to repay the Mitchell school Dist. for the attorney fees. What a waste of time.

Thursday, Jul 3 at 12:39 AM Willy wrote ...

Im glad that she didnt get a nickle.

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