Denton pleads not guilty on child sex charges

By Nate Delesline III

Published: November 26, 2008

A Rixeyville man who faces 23 felony drug and sex charges will remain free on bond and be allowed to travel to Washington, D.C., for work, despite objections from the prosecution.

James E. Denton, 43, of the 9000 block of Dunkard Church Road, entered not guilty pleas to the following charges Tuesday afternoon before Circuit Court Judge John G. Berry:
- 11 counts of rape against a person under age 13
- Six counts of forcible sodomy against a person under age 13
- Three counts of possessing a firearm while in possession of drugs
- Possession with intent to distribute marijuana
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Aggravated sexual battery

Denton is set for a jury trial March 30 and 31 at 9:30 a.m. for the sex offenses and a bench trial April 21 for the drug offenses.

At Tuesday’s hearing, Berry ruled against a motion from Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Tom Smith, who sought to restrict Denton’s travel. Instead, Berry said that Denton must follow a travel schedule set by the court and probation officers.

According to court documents from the Oct. 20 term of the grand jury, Denton was indicted for sexually abusing a child “who was less than 13 years of age.” The documents do not indicate the victim’s gender, nor do they note exactly how Denton and the victim are acquainted. The crimes are alleged to have occurred over a six-month period from December 2007 until June.

Berry cited Denton’s lack of criminal history at a Nov. 3 bond hearing and the fact that he moved away from Culpeper — which is where the crimes are said to have occurred — as reasons for granting the $25,000 secured bond.

Denton is being represented by Warrenton-based attorney Jud A. Fischel.

Nate Delesline III can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 110 or