I want to thank Key Peninsula News for reporting the sentencing of Jordan R. Henderson in such a timely way. News of his abuses was horrifying for the good people of our community when it was made public in 2024. It was reassuring to read that he will face punishment for his crimes against children.
To the girls who were his victims and the children who gave supportive testimony: I recognize the courage it took for you to tell your trusted adults about what had been happening and to bravely testify in court. You deserve all the good things life can offer.
To the families of these children, thank you for believing in them. Thank you for exposing him and pursuing punishment in the courts. It was the right thing for your children and for the other children in this community. They have all learned that these monsters can be stopped and brought to justice. They have learned that there are good adults who will believe them and defend them.
To the team of lawyers, the police, the therapists, and the advocates for children, thank you for pursuing charges and pressing for a significant sentence. Thank you for handling these children and their families with compassion.
There is a terrible proclivity among people to believe that their leaders, whether religious, political, or simply rich and charismatic, are above reproach. But having faith doesn’t require turning a blind eye to a leader’s transgressions. And as decent human beings, our first duty is always to protect the innocence of children.
UNDERWRITTEN BY THE FUND FOR NONPROFIT NEWS (NEWSMATCH) AT THE MIAMI FOUNDATION, THE ANGEL GUILD, ADVERTISERS, DONORS AND PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT, NONPROFIT LOCAL NEWS
