On Wednesday, Oct. 19, jurors in the Matthew Barton trial said they couldn’t reach a unanimous verdict in the trial of the former Manitou Springs High School teacher and soccer coach. He is accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old student repeatedly, starting in 2009.
Judge Eric Bentley declared a mistrial. A new trial has been scheduled to start Dec. 5, but Barton’s defense attorney said she plans to ask for a continuance.
Barton left MSHS in 2011. If he is found guilty, he would face a mandatory eight- to 24-year prison sentence, up to a potential life sentence.
