A former music teacher at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts was sentenced today to 10 years in prison. This was after Jeffrey Clayton pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct with a minor.
Friday’s court hearing was difficult for many, especially the girls who testified on the witness stand. Former students and a school board member said this was an emotional day, but they are relieved to finally have some closure.
Clayton walked away in handcuffs and faced a 10-year prison sentence, followed by three years of probation.
In handing down Clayton’s sentence, the judge said: “You should have known better, you were the adult here.”
“It has certainly been a long time coming,” says witness JC
Clayton was the former chair of vocals at the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. He was arrested last year and pleaded guilty to sex crimes involving a 16-year-old student a few months ago.
That student just graduated and spoke in court today. We also heard a recorded telephone conversation between Clayton and that student. The call was about going beyond kissing. The judge called the interaction “creepy.”
Another recent graduate, identified as JC, also testified against Clayton as a witness.
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“I’m so glad we can finally put it to rest for the most part, and that he’s somewhere where we know he can’t hurt anyone else,” JC said.
Clayton apologized in court today.
“It’s not just creepy, it was disgusting,” said former DA student Shyla Jenkins.
Jenkins graduated from Douglas Anderson in 2002 and says the most shocking thing to discover was how long this had been going on.
“I started at the DA’s office before Clayton was there – he was my junior,” Jenkins said. “And what those victims came there and said was exactly behavior that started with us… So many of those girls could have been saved, and that was emotional.”
School administrator Dr. Lori Hershey also responded to his punishment.
“It was an emotional day in court,” said Dr. Hershey. “But we have a responsibility to keep students safe and I applaud the courage of the women who have spoken out.”
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Dr. Hershey said the district is working to improve the situation.
“I am confident that the legal counsel we have will improve,” said Dr. Hershey.
JC said she is excited to help other girls in the future.
As for Clayton, he will also have to comply with sex offender conditions related to not being able to interact with children.
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