On the evening of March 27, 2025, Paul Clay Jr., 49, was arrested and charged with Rape in the first degree (5 counts), Sodomy in the First Degree, Sex Abuse in the Second Degree, Strangulation, Coercion (2 counts), Assault in the fourth degree (2 counts) Unlawful use of a weapon (2 counts) Distributing a controlled substance – Meth (2 counts) and Distributing a controlled substance – Fentanyl (2 counts). Clay was indicted by a grand jury on these charges last week.
On June 26, 2023, a woman struggling with houselessness reported to police that Paul Clay Jr. convinced her to see his new apartment the week before. Once inside, he coerced her into sexual activity under threat of assault. Over the course of several days, he physically and sexually assaulted her numerous times, until she was able to escape while he slept.
On April 22, 2024, a different woman reported to police that she accepted help from a man later identified as Paul Clay Jr. He offered to allow her to stay in his apartment since she was looking for a place to sleep. After several days, the woman checked her phone and saw that her family had reported her missing. Presumably because he thought this might bring attention to him, Clay became violent, and both physically and sexually assaulted the victim. The victim was eventually able to escape the apartment and call for help.
Detectives with the Special Victims Unit were assigned to the cases. They canvased the area and interviewed several witnesses who told them that they had interactions with five or six distraught women who exited the suspect’s apartment over the years who told them they had been lured to the apartment under a false pretense that the suspect would help them. As such, Detectives believe it is highly likely there are additional victims.
Anyone who may have been assaulted by Paul Clay Jr., or who thinks they have relevant information, is asked to contact Detective William Congdon at william.congdon@police.portlandoregon.gov or Detective Mitchell Orellana at mitchell.orellana@police.portlandoregon.gov and reference Case #24-99820.
Paul Clay Jr. is currently being held at the Multnomah County Detention Center. The release of this photo of him is for law enforcement purposes and is in accordance with Oregon House Bill 3273 for the identification of additional criminal activity. PPB encourages any additional victims to come forward.
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