Former Peninsula School District elementary teacher Jordan Roy Henderson, 36, has been sentenced to 66 years to life in prison after a jury convicted him on multiple counts of child molestation. A Pierce County judge imposed high‑end terms for offenses involving four former students and ordered that the sentences be served consecutively. The allegations involved girls who were in his split fourth‑ and fifth‑grade class.
According to The News Tribune, Judge Alicia Burton handed down the sentence and commended the victims for coming forward, saying the case had “shaken a community and altered the lives of all involved.” The News Tribune also reported that prosecutors’ sentencing memorandum described testimony from one student who said she felt Henderson’s erect penis pressed against her back during a classroom hug.
Jurors in January found Henderson guilty on 12 counts of first‑degree child molestation and answered special‑verdict questions that he had abused a position of trust, according to KIRO 7 News. That coverage noted the conduct was alleged to have occurred over roughly two school years and that Henderson was arrested in April 2024 after students reported concerns to deputies.
Local outlets also detailed the Peninsula School District’s response when the allegations first surfaced and Henderson was removed from the classroom during the investigation. KOMO reported that Henderson had volunteered as a worship pastor at Wellspring Fellowship, where his father was listed as the church’s lead pastor. Earlier coverage from summarized the initial charges and captured community reaction when he was released on bond last year.
At sentencing, defense attorney Brett Purtzer urged the court to impose a midrange term of 14 years and six months and argued that the state’s 66‑year recommendation was not supported, The News Tribune reported. Henderson took the stand during trial and denied sexually touching any of the girls. He appeared for sentencing in a brown‑and‑pink jail uniform and declined to speak when given the opportunity. Victims’ family members pressed the judge to hand down the maximum penalties, describing ongoing trauma, and one mother said her daughter had hidden kitchen knives under her pillow because she feared Henderson would return.
What Comes Next
Because the convictions are sex offenses, Henderson will be required to register as a sex offender for life, and any decision about his eventual release will rest with the Washington Indeterminate Sentence Review Board. The Department of Corrections explains that the ISRB conducts prison‑release hearings, evaluates risk, and may extend an inmate’s minimum term if it finds the person is not releasable. Victims can use ISRB victim services to submit statements and receive notifications, according to the Washington DOC.
Counseling and advocacy resources remain available for those affected. Local advocates such as Rebuilding Hope operate a 24/7 helpline for Pierce and Kitsap counties, KIRO 7 News noted. Rebuilding Hope’s confidential helpline is 1.855.757.7273 and the organization offers support and resources for survivors.
