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Former Norfolk rec center supervisor accused of sexual abuse now out on bond

Posted at 7:09 PM, Jun 28, 2013
and last updated 2013-06-28 23:03:05-04

Norfolk, Va. - While in court, a prosecutor called Jay Burton, a Norfolk rec center supervisor, a predatory sex offender and a grave danger to the community.

That's after he told the judge Burton sexually abused three boys ages 11 to 14 several times.

The prosecuting attorney says at trial, he will prove Burton would meet these boys while at work at the rec center then bring them to his home and abuse them.

Burton is now facing an additional four felonies dating back to 2000.

Police say they were first contacted on Monday by a boy who says he was abused starting in 2008.

Burton was arrested the next day and since then, two more boys contacted detectives.

Burton's defense attorney argued to let Burton out on bond by painting a much different picture of the 54-year-old including his time in the Navy as a dental tech, a father of two, a volunteer and mentor to children as a basketball and football coach.

The defense attorney even pointed out all of his family and friends in the courtroom asking them to stand up for the judge to show their support.

Some even wore "Free Burton" t-shirts.

The judge sided with the defense by putting certain conditions on his $75,000 bond.

Several relatives broke out in tears, including his wife, when the judge made the decision.

The family did not want to talk about the accusations.

The commonwealth attorney is now filing an appeal to the bond, but this family seems to stand behind Burton no matter what.

The judge did set certain conditions including no contact with alleged victims, Burton can't be alone with anyone under 18 including his own children, he is barred from parks and rec facilities and he is not allowed to leave the commonwealth.

Burton has been suspended without pay and he will be in court again on Tuesday.

Related: 

Raw Video: Former Norfolk rec supervisor accused of sexual abuse confronted by NewsChannel 3 reporter

Norfolk city employee arrested for child sex assault