GIG HARBOR (WA)
KomoNews [Seattle, WA]
January 5, 2026
By KOMO News Staff
A Pierce County jury has delivered a guilty verdict on 12 of 13 counts of first-degree child molestation against Jordan Henderson, a former elementary school teacher and volunteer worship pastor.
The jury also affirmed that Henderson abused his position of trust in committing these offenses. Sentencing is scheduled for April 10.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Pierce County elementary teacher, pastor charged with 9 counts of child molestation
Henderson, 34, was arrested at his Gig Harbor home by Pierce County Sheriff’s Department deputies in April 2024 after five female students from Evergreen Elementary School reported being assaulted during school hours.
The allegations led to Henderson being placed on administrative leave by the Peninsula School District. He then resigned.
Prosecutors highlighted the breach of trust in their charges, stating, “The defendant used [his] position of trust, confidence, or fiduciary responsibility to facilitate the commission of the current offense, and against the peace and dignity of the State of Washington.”
The case drew significant attention, with parents and victims expressing their distress in court. One parent shared the emotional toll on her child, who experiences nightmares and fears associated with Henderson. A young victim also spoke about her ongoing fear and inability to sleep without crying.
During the 2024 court charging, Kevin Hastings, an attorney representing one of the affected families, suggested that the abuse may have spanned multiple school years and potentially involved more victims. He emphasized the responsibility of school districts to protect students and act on warning signs of abuse.
After the crimes became known, Peninsula School District Superintendent Krestin Bahr reassured the community of the district’s commitment to student safety, stating, “These allegations are in stark opposition to everything we stand for.”
Henderson’s father, Chris Henderson, who is the lead pastor at Wellspring Fellowship, expressed support for his son after he was charged, describing him as a man of “the highest character and quality.”
The church placed Jordan Henderson on a leave of absence after he was charged.