Crime & Safety

Church Pastor Arrested on Child Rape Charges

The Riverside County inmate booking log show the Perris man was charged with rape, oral copulation with a person under 16, and sexual penetration by force.

The pastor of a Perris church has been arrested and charged with rape and other sexual crimes, authorities say.

Jerome Anthony Clay Sr., 41, described on the church's website as senior pastor at the Compassion Church, was arrested at his home in Perris Thursday morning, said Riverside County sheriff's Sgt. Glenn Williams.

The Riverside County inmate booking log said Clay was charged with rape, oral copulation with a person under 16, and sexual penetration by force. He was scheduled to appear in court in Riverside March 17, with bail set at $110,000 for each of the charges for a total of $330,000.

Find out what's happening in Banning-Beaumontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Williams said Sheriff's investigators believed Clay has assaulted other victims and urged them to contact law enforcement. He said anyone with information to relay regarding Clay should contact Investigator Barajas of the Perris Police Department at (951) 210-1044.

The Compassion Church website said it was affiliated with the Sun City Foursquare Church. Clay described himself on the Foursquare Church website as having served the church for 10 years.

Find out what's happening in Banning-Beaumontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

–City News Service.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.