Fannin County youth softball coach sentenced to 25 years for child sex abuse

BONHAM, Texas (KXII) — A Leonard man who coached youth softball in Fannin County was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14.

Judge Christina Tillett sentenced Donnie Fonville Jr., 35, on Monday morning based on the recommendation of the District Attorney’s office. Fonville must serve 25 years day for day and is not eligible for parole or any early release.

The first of four victims began to speak out in May 2025 about inappropriate sexual touching by Fonville, who had been a family friend and coach. Within weeks, additional victims also came forward.

The Fannin County Sheriff’s Office and the Children’s Advocacy Center responded, and law enforcement arrested Fonville. He remained in custody until his guilty plea.

Lifetime registration and protective order

Fonville will have to register as a sex offender quarterly for the rest of his life. The Fannin County Criminal District Attorney’s Office also ensured that all victims and their families involved will be covered by a lifetime protective order that prevents Fonville from ever contacting them in the future.

“The strength and resilience of the young women in this case who took a stand against this type of inexcusable abuse is beyond remarkable,” First Assistant Criminal District Attorney Nathan Young said. “The Sheriff’s Office, Detective McCann, and all the wonderful people at the Children’s Advocacy Center also deserve recognition to an unwavering commitment to the youth of our County.”

Fonville was arrested in May 2025 on four counts of indecency with a child stemming from allegations related to incidents which occurred in late 2024 and early 2025. The Fannin County Sheriff’s Office said Fonville had been involved in activities that presented him with easy access to young children.

Fonville coached girls softball with the Trenton Youth Sports Association up until the day of his arrest.