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A Pierce County elementary school teacher accused of sexually molesting children is now back behind bars after reportedly violating the conditions of his release on bail. The teacher 34-year-old male teacher, Jordan Henderson, from Evergreen Elementary School, located at 1632 Key Peninsula Hwy SW, Longbranch, WA 98349, was arrested for child molestation following an investigation by local authorities on April 18, 2024.
The Pierce County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) reported that on February 26, a student alerted deputies to an alleged incident at the school, accusing a teacher of molestation or groping. Detectives from the sheriff's office immediately launched an investigation into the accusation. He has since been booked into the Pierce County Jail and is expected to be arraigned for eight counts of child molestation on Friday.
According to the survivor, the abuse allegedly took place over the course of the last two school years, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, while they were in fourth and fifth grades. The school district removed Henderson from his duties during the investigation.
The survivor's attorney expressed concerns about the handling of such matters, suggesting that sometimes, warning signs are not given due attention. He questioned how the teacher "have access to children and commit sex crimes in a classroom or on school grounds for over two years."
He claimed that Henderson would have small groups of girls in his classroom during lunchtime, which he described as a common "grooming and targeting technique."
Furthermore, "at least one teacher did raise concerns over Mr. Henderson's interactions with children at the district," but they are waiting to hear back from the district on whether anything was done.
The Peninsula School District Superintendent Krestin Bahr issued a statement, assuring the community that "these allegations are in stark opposition to everything we stand for" and thanking them for keeping "the safety and well-being of our students at the forefront of your thoughts and actions."
Wellspring Fellowship, where Henderson held a role as a deacon, posted a statement on Facebook, expressing confidence in Henderson's "highest character and quality as a man" and providing him with the church's "full confidence and support."
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding these disturbing allegations is ongoing, and detectives are delving deeper into the matter.
In the disturbing case of a former elementary school teacher accused of sexually abusing his students, the victims and their families have several legal avenues they can explore to hold the perpetrator and negligent parties accountable. To further elaborate on these legal rights, we sat down with experienced child sexual abuse lawyer, Mike Pfau.
Editor Darla Medina: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us about this disturbing case. As an attorney who has handled many cases of child sexual abuse, what are some of the key legal avenues available to victims in a situation like this?
Attorney Mike Pfau: Well, Darla, this is a deeply troubling case that strikes at the heart of our responsibility to protect children, especially in the places where they should feel the safest – their schools. Victims in cases like this have several legal options they can pursue.
First and foremost, they have the right to file civil lawsuits against the perpetrator for the sexual abuse they endured. Additionally, they may also have grounds to file suit against the school district and any administrators if they can be proved to have failed to properly investigate or address the warning signs that were present.
DM: That's a crucial point. Can you elaborate on the school district's potential liability in a case like this?
MP: Absolutely. School districts have a duty of care to ensure the safety and well-being of the students entrusted to them. If there is evidence that the district was aware of concerns or allegations regarding a teacher's conduct, and they failed to take appropriate action, they can be held legally responsible.
DM: So the victims and their families have multiple avenues to seek justice and accountability, beyond just the criminal case against the perpetrator.
MP: Yes, that's exactly right. The civil justice system provides an important mechanism for victims to not only hold the abuser accountable, but also any institutions or entities that may have enabled or failed to prevent the abuse. This can include substantial monetary compensation, as well as driving policy changes to better protect children in the future.
DM: Thank you, Mr. Pfau, for providing this valuable insight. It's clear that the victims in this case have crucial legal rights and options available to them as they navigate this traumatic situation.
MP: You're very welcome, Darla. My heart goes out to these young victims and their families. I strongly encourage them to seek experienced legal counsel to ensure their rights are protected and that all responsible parties are held accountable. No child should ever have to endure such a betrayal of trust.
As this case highlights, victims of sexual abuse by teachers and school staff have important legal recourses available to them. If you or a loved one have experienced such a betrayal, it is crucial to speak with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process of seeking justice and accountability.
Our team of dedicated child abuse lawyers is committed to fighting for the rights of victims and helping them obtain the compensation and closure they deserve. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss your case and explore the best path forward.
Don't face this difficult journey alone. Contact us today to take the first step toward healing and justice.
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