TAZEWELL, Va. (WJHL) — A former Tazewell County softball coach was sentenced to 40 years in prison for dozens of counts of sexual abuse of a child.

Howard Denver Barton, 55, was sentenced to 40 years in prison on 40 counts of taking indecent liberties of a child by a person in a custodial relationship, according to a release from the Tazewell County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

The release said Barton admitted to being guilty on Aug. 19, 2024.

Barton will serve his sentence in the Virginia Department of Corrections.

“When we allow coaches to our children, to help our children pursue their dreams, there is an understanding that our coaches are there to not only guide but protect our sons and daughters. But Denny Barton took advantage of that position of trust. He betrayed the trust of his victim, their family, and the trust of the community. This type of betrayal will never be tolerated in Tazewell County and I take my duty to protect all children of Tazewell County very seriously.”

Chris Plaster, Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorney