MENDOCINO CO., 1/8/26 — An Anderson Valley musician was sentenced Wednesday to more than two years in prison after previously pleading guilty to child sexual abuse charges in Mendocino County Superior Court in Ukiah.
Ryan Clayton Davis, a 42-year-old Navarro resident, a longtime bandleader, guitarist and touring musician, pleaded guilty to two felony charges — oral copulation of a person under 18 years old, and contacting and communicating with a minor for the purpose of engaging in lewd and lascivious behavior.
Davis was charged in March of last year and pleaded guilty in late September.
On Wednesday, Davis was sentenced to two years and four months in prison. He was remanded into custody at Mendocino County Jail following the sentencing hearing.
The Mendocino Voice reached out to Davis’ attorney Robert Boyd, who declined to comment.
According to Mendocino County Deputy District Attorney Eloise Kelsey, who is the lead of the county’s coastal office, Davis will likely be transferred to Wasco State Prison or North Kern State Prison, which are the common reception centers for Mendocino County inmates.
Kelsey said there was exorbitant evidence in the case, including an account by the victim, referred to in court as Jane Doe. She said Jane Doe’s statement during the sentencing, as well as the family’s statement, was emotional.
“She realized that he was manipulating and he was abusing her … and the judge really felt it. I never thought that it was a close case,” Kelsey said in an interview. “It was done in a predatory, deliberate manner, he seduced her. That’s a big word to use for someone who is still a child, but from his perspective, this was a planned seduction of a child.”
Kelsey also said that Davis will be required to register for life as a sex offender. If Davis remains law abiding for a minimum of 10 years, he can petition the court for relief from those requirements.
According to a family member of the victim who was present Wednesday, and who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the case, the courtroom was packed with community members wanting to witness the sentencing. She said Davis had about 15 to 20 supporters there.
“He was taken in after a brief statement asking for leniency. It was a long, harrowing day,” the family member added in an interview.
The family member said that the sentencing provides them with a small sense of resolution after an arduous experience in the judicial process. This family member submitted a victim impact statement to The Mendocino Voice.
“The sentencing of Ryan Clayton Davis brings a sense of accountability, but it does not erase the trauma the victim endured. We are relieved that the legal process has concluded and that the system responded appropriately,” the statement reads. “We are grateful to the advocates, investigators, and legal professionals who treated this case with seriousness and care. Most importantly, we hope this outcome encourages other survivors and families to speak up and seek help especially at a time when cases like this are at an all-time high.”
It just feels like every adult involved let down this child.
I am her parent and trust me the guilt runs deep on many levels…but it doesn’t excuse the actions and behavior of a married adult male (a trusted friend and mentor) who manipulated our entire family. I pray you never find yourself in this situation.
Your judgement reflects your ignorance of the well practiced master manipulation tactics of these types of perps! They are often narcissistic sociopaths who lead double lives -even trusted family members or close family friends – in this case a newlywed from a moneyed background. They prey on the most vulnerable and are well versed in threats and emotional manipulation of all involved and society in general tends to turn away from the nastiness often misplacing blame on victims and/or turning a blind eye or sweeping it under the carpet. Obviously you are a sympathizer of this type of behavior – not your place to judge – and why the anominity ? And the ultimate irony is this perp ‘ratted himself out’ by anonymously complaining about being warned/threatened to stay away. Are you being fooled also ?
2+ years is wholly inadequate based on my limited understanding of the case. This was a plea bargain? No jury trial? If that is the case, his attorney worked a miracle, the defendant owes his attorney BIG time. Shame on the D.A. for not getting at least 5+ years….maybe more. If for no other reason, the age of the victim alone mandates a stronger sense of justice. Maybe the reporter can do a little follow-up, get some more in-depth information.
That arrogant prick should have definitely got more time, 2 years does not serve proper justice. He’s a creep, word in the street is this is not the first time he’s been involved with a young girl.
May prison justice rein!