Our other top story tonight, a decade in prison for the former Douglas Anderson teacher, uh who touched and kissed a student. And today, a judge sentenced Jeffrey Clayton in a Duval County courtroom. A Andrew Badillo is on your side. And Andrew, I know some of Clayton's former students gave witness statements inside the courtroom today. What did they say about the former teacher Heather Anthony for 30 minutes, Jeffrey Clayton sat and listened to his former students who told the judge what it was like for them in Clayton's classroom. I feared that he would touch my lower stomach and chest or violently pull my hair again. It began as kind words and seemingly innocent touches soon became proclamations of lust and lingering hands. We did not ask them to be four former students were calling times. They say Jeffrey Clayton verbally and physically abused them. The simple act of choosing an outfit causes me to break down in a panic state and feared that I will be perceived as alluring or as Mr Clayton often called me intoxicating the testimony part of Clayton's three hour sentencing after pleading guilty to charges related to touching and kissing a 16 year old student while a teacher at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. Clayton was arrested in March 2023. As part of their investigation, detectives asked the team to call Clayton in the call. Clayton makes sexual comments towards the team. A recording was played during the sentencing. I can see you leaning forward and kissing me and just the zeal in which you did. It just, yeah, took me off my feet. Clayton spent hours listening. He spoke for 10 minutes apologizing including to the 16 year old. And I pray earnestly for healing in every facet ever being. I pray that her life will be eventually free from mental and emotional angst that which I can't imagine. I wish there was another word to express sorrow. Clayton will served 10 years in prison for abuse. His former students say went unchecked for two decades abuse. One student says a sentence can't cure. Shortly after the incident. I began my process, my recovery process through therapy which I believe shall be necessary for the rest of my life. Clayton only faced charges for his interactions with the 16 year old. He will also have to serve three years probation. Andrew Bio First Coast News on your side. Thank you, Andrew. And one of Clayton's former students chose to speak to First Coast News on camera after giving testimony in court, trust your people and know that if they speak up and say that something is wrong that you should listen and you should investigate because I know how hard it is. I'm a substitute teacher. I know how hard it is to be a teacher and to have students speaking up. But after so many, after so many just listen tonight, we're on your side with signs that a child may have experienced something inappropriate with an adult. Our crime and safety expert, Ken Jefferson worked with the Jacksonville sheriff's office, sex Crime unit and he says oftentimes the offender is a trusted adult. Jefferson says parents should look at their child's behavior but don't try to force an answer when they start talking, they will open up a door for you to ease in to ask. Did anybody do anything to hurt you today or make you feel bad or touch you? Now, a little over a month ago, the school district sent a letter to Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz saying that it made safety changes for the 2024 25 school year. Those improvements include showing students and parents how to report misconduct from adults and adding more investigator positions in its office of Professional Standards and former students of Jeffrey Clayton say he made inappropriate comments to students dating back to his first years teaching at Douglas Anderson. More than two decades ago, Clayton's career at D A started in 2000 court documents show in 2016 and 2021 he was disciplined for commenting on a student's looks and rubbing their backs. Shila Jenkins was his student in 2002 and 2003 and says she remembers Clayton making inappropriate comments about girls bodies in her class, but it doesn't need to hurt them anymore and it doesn't need to have any kid walking out of their damage anymore. And that's what I'm fighting for and that's what I'll continue to fight for as I push for change at the school.
