A former teacher has admitted to sexually assaulting a teenager he met while volunteering at an Arkansas church associated with former President Bill Clinton.
Reagan Gray started his misconduct in 2020 when he was 23 years old, having first encountered the boy, who was only 15 at the time, at the famous Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock where he volunteered for the Student Ministry.
In a statement to investigators, the victim allegedly mentioned an oral encounter, although court documents reveal he claimed there was no sexual intercourse to remain “pure.”
Initially charged with first and fourth-degree sexual assault, Gray ultimately pleaded guilty to second-degree sexual assault. On Monday, he received a six-year probation sentence and was required to pay a $1,000 fine.
Moreover, he is now obligated to provide a DNA sample and will be listed in the sex offender registry.
Gray has been prohibited from contacting the victim and was removed from his position at Sylvan Hills Middle School.
The victim’s parents discovered alarming text exchanges, including nude photographs, between their son and Gray from 2020. This prompted them to report the situation to the church’s then Head Rev. Stephen Smith, according to court records.
When confronted by Smith, Gray insisted that their relationship was not “physical.”
At the time, Gray was working at Little Rock Christian Academy but was removed from his position and required to seek counseling through the church. However, he returned to the church youth group shortly after.
Federal investigators opened a probe in February 2024 upon learning that Gray continued to communicate with teenagers on Snapchat.
The victim alleged numerous instances of abuse occurring in Gray’s vehicle and apartment.
Consequently, Pastor Smith resigned last year amidst the unfolding controversy.
