Pastor of Perris church arrested on rape charges and other sexual crimes
The pastor of a Perris church has been arrested and charged with rape and other sexual crimes, authorities said today.
Jerome Anthony Clay, 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 $55,000.
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.
