TROY — James H. Clay, a former Troy Christian schools coach called a "master manipulator" by Miami County prosecutors, was sentenced Tuesday, Oct. 14, to the maximum five years in prison for sexual conduct with a 15-year-old student.

Clay, 41, of Piqua, was convicted by a Common Pleas Court jury in late August of felony sexual battery for the relationship between fall 2006 and early 2007 while he was a boys basketball and football coach at the school. The girl testified the relationship began during weekly Bible studies Clay held with her after he was asked by her mother to serve as a mentor.

Defense attorney Thomas Intili said Clay maintains his innocence, and will appeal. Intili declined comment after sentencing.

Clay cried as he asked Judge Jeffrey Welbaum for mercy for him and his family, saying the past year has been filled with pain for his children, who have been harassed, and his loss of five jobs because of the criminal charge and conviction. "I just want peace for my family and peace for (the victim's) family," he said.

He briefly referred to the loss of his house to fire in December, a few days after he pleaded not guilty to the indictment. The house was set on fire and racial slurs were sprayed on the Clay's vehicle. No one has been charged in the fire, which was ruled arson.

"My passion in my life is over," Clay said of the end of a long-time coaching career. "I always wanted to be famous, but not like this."

Tony Kendell, an assistant county prosecutor, asked for the maximum term. "This man doesn't deserve any kind of mercy. He is a danger to the community," he said.

"I think he defines the term master manipulator," Kendell said following sentencing. "He goes into the heart and foundation of that institution (Christian school) and what's taught there and uses it to exploit a child."

The girl, who now is 17, was not in court for the sentencing.

Her father said Clay not only was guilty of sexual battery but "the theft of our daughter's innocence." He told Clay he "twisted the love of God and me" and "perverted the Bible ... for your own gain."

Welbaum reviewed Clay's criminal record, which he said included 26 convictions mostly between 1988 and 1997, including multiple assaults and driving under suspension.

Clay was classified a Tier III sex offender, requiring him to register his address with the sheriff in the county where he lives for the rest of his life.