Tacoma, WA: A teacher from Evergreen Elementary School in Pierce County, Washington has been taken into custody for alleged child molestation, following an investigation by local authorities.
A teacher from Evergreen Elementary School in Pierce County, Washington has been taken into custody for alleged child molestation, following an investigation by local authorities.
According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD), a student came forward on February 26 to report an alleged incident at the school involving a teacher and accusations of molestation or groping. An investigation was launched by detectives from the sheriff’s office as soon as the accusation was made.
A teacher has been removed from his duties at a school in Longranch while an investigation is ongoing as per FOX13.
Investigators carried out a search warrant at the residence of the individual in Gig Harbor. A 34-year-old male teacher named Jordan Henderson was arrested on April 18 for child molestation in the 1st degree. He has been taken into custody and is now being held at the Pierce County Jail. He is scheduled to face charges for eight counts of child molestation on Friday.
As per the survivor’s account, the reported abuse occurred during their fourth and fifth grades, spanning the school years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The survivor’s attorney, Kevin Hastings, raised concerns about the handling of such matters, implying that at times, warning signs are overlooked.
There are concerns about how such misconduct could continue without detection. Hastings wondered about the disturbing situation of a teacher having access to children and committing sex crimes in a classroom or on school grounds for an extended period of time.
Hastings alleges that Henderson would have small groups of girls in his classroom during lunchtime. “While some may not find it immediately alarming, those familiar with grooming and targeting techniques will recognize this as a classic example,” Hastings remarked.
Investigators are currently examining the details surrounding these troubling accusations.
The Peninsula School District Superintendent, Krestin Bahr, has issued a statement to families and staff.
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Meanwhile, there are growing concerns about the district’s knowledge of the teacher’s interactions with students.
Hastings reports that the teacher in question has worked in the education field for around nine to ten years. In addition, he served as a deacon at the Wellspring Fellowship Church in the Key Peninsula.
Hastings believes that there could potentially be additional survivors who have not yet come forward. “Many individuals hesitate to come forward for an extended period of time,” Hastings stated. He suspects there may be more individuals affected.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department has stated that the investigation is still ongoing and additional information will be provided as it becomes accessible.
Henderson entered a plea of not guilty during his initial court appearance on Friday.