“It’s been a long time coming:” Former students react to sentencing of ex-DA professor Jeffrey Clayton – 104.5 WOKV

Lina Portman3 weeks ago

0 2 minutes read

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A former music teacher at the 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 hearing was difficult for many, especially the girls who testified on the witness stand. Former students and a school board member said it was an emotional day, but they are relieved to have closure.

Clayton left in handcuffs and faces a sentence of 10 years in prison followed by 3 years of probation.

In sentencing Clayton, the judge said: “You should have known, you were the adult here. »

“It’s been a long time coming, that’s for sure,” witness JC said.

Clayton was the former vocal president of 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.

This student just graduated and spoke in court today. We also heard a recorded phone call between Clayton and this student. The call referred to going further than just kissing. The judge called the interaction “frightening.”

Another recent graduate identified as JC also testified against Clayton as a witness.

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“I'm so happy that we can finally put all of this aside and have him somewhere where we know he can't hurt anyone else,” JC said.

Clayton apologized in court today.

“It’s not only scary, it was disgusting,” said former DA student Shyla Jenkins.

Jenkins graduated from Douglas Anderson in 2002, and she says the most shocking thing to learn was how long it had been going on.

“I started at DA before Clayton was there — he became my junior,” Jenkins said. “And what these victims came out there and said was exactly the behavior that started with us…So many of these girls could have been saved, and it was emotional.”

School board member Dr. Lori Hershey also reacted to his conviction.

“It was an emotional day in the courtroom,” Dr. Hershey said. “But we have a responsibility to keep students safe and I applaud the courage of the women who spoke out.”

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Dr. Hershey said the district is working to improve things.

“I am confident in the legal advice we have and that the situation will improve,” Dr. Hershey said.

JC said she was happy to help other girls in the future.

As for Clayton, he will also have to respect sex offender conditions relating to the impossibility of interacting with children.

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