Memphis, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Kenneth Clay Jr., a former fourth-grade teacher at Winchester Elementary School, has been found guilty of aggravated sexual battery involving a student. The verdict followed a five-day trial where disturbing incidents of abuse were revealed, occurring during the After Care program in 2022. Testimonies detailed inappropriate conduct, including forced sexual acts and manipulation of other students. Clay resigned following the allegations, and his sentencing is set for late July. The school district reiterated its commitment to student safety amid this troubling case.
Memphis – A former elementary school teacher, Kenneth Clay Jr., has been found guilty of aggravated sexual battery involving a student. The verdict was reached by a jury following a five-day trial that concluded on June 28, 2025. Clay was a fourth-grade teacher at Winchester Elementary School and supervised the After Care program during the period the abuse was reported to have occurred.
The incidents took place in the fall of 2022 when the victim was participating in the After Care program. Testimony during the trial indicated that the victim was forced to engage in explicit sexual acts with Clay multiple times inside the school premises. Evidence revealed that Clay inappropriately touched the victim repeatedly, including several instances within his classroom. On one occasion, he isolated the victim in his classroom while using another student as a lookout in the hallway.
A student witness testified that they saw Clay zipping up his pants shortly after the victim walked away, which prompted them to inform their mother. The mother subsequently reported the incident to school officials, leading to further investigations into Clay’s conduct.
In December 2022, after the allegations surfaced, Clay resigned from his position at Winchester Elementary. During the trial, a total of 11 witnesses were called to testify, including the victim herself, her mother, a school resource officer, the victim’s friend, and law enforcement officials. Clay’s defense team presented testimonies from two other teachers and Clay himself.
Kenneth Clay’s sentencing is scheduled for July 31, 2025. Following the verdict, the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to student safety and emphasizing the importance of justice in cases such as this. The district confirmed that Clay was employed by them from August 2022 until January 2023 and reiterated their zero-tolerance policy regarding inappropriate behavior in schools.
Background Context
The allegations against Kenneth Clay highlight serious issues regarding safety and conduct within school environments. The Memphis-Shelby County Schools have taken steps to ensure the safety of students and maintain a supportive atmosphere in their educational institutions. Following this case, school officials are likely to review and improve policies regarding the supervision of students, particularly within after-school programs.
This situation has raised questions about the protocols in place for reporting and responding to similar allegations, as well as the importance of training staff to recognize and prevent abuse. The outcome of the trial and subsequent sentencing of Kenneth Clay will have broader implications for the Memphis school district and its commitment to safeguarding students.
FAQs
What was Kenneth Clay found guilty of?
Kenneth Clay was found guilty of aggravated sexual battery involving a student during his time as a teacher at Winchester Elementary School.
When did the incidents of abuse occur?
The incidents of abuse occurred in the fall of 2022 while the victim was in the After Care program.
When is Kenneth Clay’s sentencing scheduled?
Kenneth Clay’s sentencing is set for July 31, 2025.
What actions did the Memphis-Shelby County Schools take following the allegations?
The Memphis-Shelby County Schools issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to student safety and confirmed their zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Kenneth Clay Jr. |
| Position | Fourth-Grade Teacher at Winchester Elementary School |
| Nature of Crime | Aggravated Sexual Battery |
| Victim Age | Student |
| Incident Timing | Fall of 2022 |
| Trial Duration | Five days |
| Verdict Date | June 28, 2025 |
| Sentencing Date | July 31, 2025 |
| School District Response | Commitment to safety and zero-tolerance for inappropriate behavior |
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Tullahoma News
- Local Memphis
- Google Search: aggravated sexual battery
- WREG News
- Wikipedia: Teacher abuse
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
