Nashville Teacher’s Aide Arrested on Multiple Sexual Charges Involving Minors

Nashville Teacher’s Aide Faces Serious Charges

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In a deeply troubling story that has shaken the community, a former teacher’s aide at a private school for children with disabilities has been arrested and is facing multiple charges. The accused, 33-year-old Justin Henderson, allegedly engaged in inappropriate sexual activities involving two teenagers while working at Genesis Academy in South Nashville.

The Investigation Unfolds

The investigation began in June when two 16-year-old students at Genesis Academy informed a school employee about some alarming interactions they had with Henderson. According to the reports, the former aide had participated in video calls with them that involved sexual content. This serious allegation prompted an immediate response from the authorities.

In a timely and responsible move, Genesis Academy swiftly handled the situation. A statement released by the school confirmed that Henderson was terminated from his position on June 24, 2024, but the timeline of events shows that the school had been taking matters seriously well before this final decision. Just days earlier, on June 19, an 18-year-old former student of the academy reached out to report past abuse by Henderson. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, school officials took immediate action.

Steps Taken by Genesis Academy

Genesis Academy didn’t waste any time. After receiving the report from the former student, they reported the matter to the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) and ensured that Henderson was not allowed access to any current students while an internal investigation was carried out. Moreover, the academy actively engaged with the former student to gather more information, which led to the discovery of potential abuse affecting a current student.

It’s reassuring to note that the reported incidents did not take place on school grounds or during school hours. Genesis Academy has stated that during their own investigation, they found no evidence indicating that any other students were affected. They made it clear that they intend to cooperate fully with the DCS moving forward, providing all necessary information from their findings to the Special Investigator.

Details from the Arrest

Following the investigation by the Nashville Police Department’s Youth Services detectives, Henderson was arrested and charged with serious offenses. According to police reports, he has been charged with four counts of inducing sexual activity by a minor and three counts of displaying sexual acts to a minor. This is heart-wrenching news for a community that trusts its educators to protect and nurture its young people.

At present, Henderson is being held in the Metro Jail, with a bond set at $150,000. The legal proceedings will likely deepen as the case unfolds, but the initial charges bring a troubling reality to light regarding the responsibilities of those who work with vulnerable populations.

A Community in Shock

This situation is understandably upsetting for the parents, teachers, and students within the Nashville community. Genesis Academy has a long-standing mission to provide quality education for children with learning disabilities, making this revelation even more distressing. Parents and guardians look to educational institutions as safe places for their children, and breaches of trust like this raise significant concerns about child safety.

The repercussions of these allegations will be felt throughout the community as discussions about student safety and protection continue. It is crucial for schools to maintain robust safeguarding policies to ensure the safety of all students. As more details come to light, the academy and the community will be working hard to navigate this challenging situation and ensure the safety of its students.

As always, it’s essential to stay informed about updates in this case. The community will continue to support each other through this difficult time, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and open communication regarding the safety of children.