A former crime scene specialist appeared for a pre-sentencing hearing on Thursday before 5th Circuit Court Judge Ric Howard in a case involving the release of confidential information from the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office.
Former Crime Scrime Scene Specialist Ashley Pate will be in custody without bond until her sentencing hearing on April 23.
Jurors found Pate guilty on Wednesday of disclosing confidential law enforcement information.
“Ashley Pate’s actions were unethical and reckless,” Sheriff Mike Prendergast said. “She knowingly and intentionally divulged confidential information without concern for the safety of our Sheriff’s Office personnel. Serious injury, if not the death of one of our own, could have been the result of her criminal behavior,” Sheriff Prendergast said.
“Her lack of integrity compromised our criminal investigations. Ashley Pate will now have to face the consequences of her own actions.”