Former El Paso ISD administrator found guilty of kidnapping, sexual assault
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- A former El Paso Independent School District administrator has been found guilty of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a woman.
51-year-old Jeffrey Steven Clay was convicted by a jury in New Mexico Monday. He had been indicted in November of 2022. At the time of the crime, Clay served as the Executive Director of Analytics, Strategy, and Assessment and Public Education Information Management Systems at EPISD. He had previously worked for the district as a teacher and school principal, according to the United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico's Office.
Court documents state Clay picked up the woman near Copia Street in El Paso on August 4, 2021. He told the victim he would drive her to her friends house, but officials say he instead drove her to his home in Anthony, New Mexico.
Outside the house, investigators say Clay tried to kiss the woman. She tried to stop him. Clay then allegedly struck and handcuffed the woman. He allegedly took her into a bedroom and sexually assaulted her. She later told investigators she pleaded with him to stop as the assault was happening.
Investigators say Clay drove the victim back to El Paso. While his car was stopped at a traffic light, officials say the woman jumped out and ran into a convenience store. A clerk at that store helped her call 911.
Court officials say another woman testified at the trial that Clay also sexually abused her. She claimed Clay abused her as a minor, adult, and when she was seven months pregnant.
The FBI is seeking additional victims. Anyone with information is asked to reach out to the FBI.
“The conviction of Jeffrey Steven Clay is a great achievement in keeping our communities safer from those who target and prey on innocent people. The FBI will always work together with our partners and hold these criminals accountable and prevent such violence from happening in our communities," said Raul Bujanda, FBI Special Agent in Charge.
Clay still needs to be sentenced. He faces up to life in prison. The court says he will need to register as a sex offender once out of prison.
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