NLV officer dismissed after misconduct accusation

By Mary Manning

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009 | 6:09 p.m.

A North Las Vegas police officer charged with felony misconduct has been dismissed after an administrative investigation that was launched following his December arrest.

Authorities arrested James Vernon Clayton, 40, on Dec. 23 after a five month investigation. He was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on five counts of misconduct of a public officer, a felony; two counts of oppression under color of office, a felony; and one count of open and gross lewdness, a misdemeanor. Authorities said he allegedly sought dates and sexual favors from women he stopped for traffic violations.

When the investigation began, police said the victims were five adult females. The incidents allegedly occurred while Clayton was on duty as a police officer.

None of the women reported being physically harmed or sexually assaulted, although documents showed that one alleged that Clayton had exposed himself and tried to touch her.

Clayton was arrested on a warrant after a five-month criminal investigation conducted by North Las Vegas police investigators.

Clayton had been on paid administrative leave since July. He is no longer employed by the City of North Las Vegas, according to a media release from Chief of Police Joseph Forti.

Details of the administrative investigation weren't released, as is routine with personnel matters.