Clayton still behind bars as more people come forward
Andrews – Cherokee County authorities have rearrested a local physician on a lengthy list of new charges following his arrest on sex-related charges earlier this month.
The District Attorney’s Office called a special grand jury on March 20, when it issued indictments charging Dr. Thomas Vann Clayton with 16 felonies. Bail on his previous charges was set at $50,000, which he was able to post. Bail on the new charges was set at $1 million, and he remains in custody at the Cherokee County Detention Center in Murphy since his arrest on the new charges.
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Clayton, 66, was charged with three counts of human trafficking, four counts of first-degree forcible sexual offense and nine counts of sexual contact or penetration under pretext of medical treatment, according to a release from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
Law enforcement will release no other details due to the ongoing investigation.
Rich Cassady, Clayton’s lawyer, promised a vigorous defense of his client.
“I am going to fight these allegations hook, nail and claw, and I’ve already filed my motions to have Dr. Clayton arraigned and tried on the trial week of July 10, 2023,” he said.
Cassady said the motions and others will be heard Monday, April 17.
A lengthy investigation by the sheriff’s office led to the arrest at Clayton’s local residence on March 3, when he was charged with four counts of sexual contact or penetration under pretext of medical treatment. A magistrate set his bond at $50,000 unsecured.
Clayton is an Andrews family medicine doctor and affiliated with Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital in Peachtree. He was suspended from his duties as chief of staff at Erlanger at the time of his initial arrest. As chief of staff, Clayton served on numerous committees and was responsible for the oversight of all medical staff, according to the website.
“Dr. Thomas Clayton is an employee of Erlanger Health System and practices medicine in the Western Carolina Division,” Erlanger Health System said in a release. “We are not able to comment at this time since this is a legal matter, but will be fully cooperating with law enforcement. Erlanger takes all allegations seriously and, as such, Dr. Clayton has been placed on administrative leave until further notice.”
The sheriff’s office announced the latest arrest on its Facebook page. It would not allow comments on the posting, but there have been hundreds of shares, with each share garnering its own following and comments about the doctor and his arrest. Comments ranged from surprise, disappointment and, in a few cases, relief.
Clayton obtained his bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from the University of Florida. He received his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine in True Blue, Grenada, in 1983. His residency training occurred at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tenn.
Clayton has been in practice in several states since getting his medical license in 1986, according to his listing at U.S. News & World Report, which gave him a five-star rating (with five being best) based on reviews from 24 reviewers.
Clayton got five-star ratings in U.S. News & World Report in thoroughness of examination, provider’s attitude, perceived outcomes and general feedback. He received a two-star rating, his lowest, in loyalty. He received similar ratings on WebMD.com.
Clayton specializes in family medicine. His biography listing at erlanger.org said Clayton is a family medicine physician who has been practicing in rural North Carolina for more than 30 years.
If you have information that may assist the investigation, call the tip line at 828-837-1344 or visit the sheriff’s office at 577 Regal St. in Murphy and ask for an investigator.