RAY TATE’S MOTION TO WITHDRAWAL HIS GUILTY PLEA DENIED

Ray Tate’s motion to withdrawal his guilty plea was denied in Wayne County Circuit Court Wednesday by Judge Denton Aud, who is presiding over the case.  Ray Tate entered the Wayne County Courthouse Wednesday morning, shackled in the presence of heavily armed law enforcement from City, County, State and U. S. Marshals stationed both inside and outside of the courthouse as security was extremely tight.  Tate was represented by Standby Counsel, Jon Meador.  Tate himself testified along with calling his Public Defender, Heidi Hoffee along with one other person including family member, Virginia Tate.  Also testifying was retired Jefferson County Jail Administrator, Thomas Vowell.  After cross examing by the State and closing arguments by both  parties and after a brief recess to review the matter, Judge Denton Aud denied Tate’s motion to withdraw his guilty plea.  Judge Aud stated that there is no question as to Tate’s guilt in this case based on the evidence presented at the time of the plea, the time of sentencing, and Tate’s own statements in Court during this hearing; that the ends of justice will not be better served by submitting this case to the jury; and that if given a trial, Tate would assuredly be found guilty. Tate has the right to file a written notice of appeal within 30 days.  Ray Tate is serving a life sentence at Menard Correctional Center in Chester for the December 2021 murder of Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy, Sean Riley.