U.S. Attorney William S. Thompson | U.S. Department of Justice
Larry Allen Clay Jr., a former law enforcement officer from Fayette County, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for sex trafficking a minor and obstructing the investigation. The sentence includes 10 years of supervised release and an $80,000 restitution payment. Clay is also required to register as a sex offender.
At the time of the offenses, Clay served as Chief of Police for the Gauley Bridge Police Department and was a deputy with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department. Evidence presented at trial revealed that Clay paid co-defendant Kristen Naylor-Legg $100 to engage in sexual acts with her 17-year-old relative on two occasions in June 2020.
Both incidents involved Clay wearing his police uniform and occurred at locations associated with his official duties. DNA evidence was recovered from one location, aiding the investigation.
After these events were reported by the victim, Clay attempted to persuade Naylor-Legg to mislead authorities about the incidents and sought assistance from another officer to conceal his actions.
Clay was found guilty by a federal jury on April 28, 2023, of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor via coercion, sex trafficking of a minor via coercion, and two counts of obstruction of justice.
“Today’s sentence reflects the incalculable harm Larry Allen Clay Jr. inflicted on his minor victim, his community, and the public’s trust of law enforcement,” stated United States Attorney Will Thompson. He praised the bravery of the victim who came forward despite her ordeal.
Naylor-Legg received a nine-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to conspiracy charges related to sex trafficking.
The case was investigated by multiple agencies including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), West Virginia State Police, and Fayette County Sheriff’s Department. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin delivered Clay's sentence following prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Monica Dillon.
The public is encouraged to report suspected child sex trafficking through available hotlines or online resources provided by law enforcement agencies.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation nationwide. More information can be found on their website or through related legal documents accessible via PACER under Case No. 2:21-cr-62.
