Thurston County jail sergeant accused of voyeurism, released without bail

A Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) corrections sergeant accused of voyeurism is set to be released without bail by Superior Court Judge John Skinder on Tuesday, according to The Olympian.

Taylor Beau Hendershot, 30, allegedly hid a camera inside a shampoo bottle that was discovered by a 29-year-old woman during her shower, the media outlet reported. The offense took place at Hendershot’s family home while the woman was temporarily staying on the property.

The Olympian stated the woman, a lifelong friend of Hendershot’s, confirmed they had no prior romantic relationship, but Hendershot had mentioned romantic interest and was caught looking through her phone.

TCSO deputies responded to the report on Sunday, although the investigation was passed on to the Olympia Police Department (OPD) because Hendershot is a current sergeant at the county jail.

“Upon learning of the allegations, TCSO immediately placed the employee on administrative leave and initiated protocols to ensure the safety and privacy of the victim,” a news release from TCSO stated. “The badge and gun of the employee were seized during this process.”

Internal investigation

The sheriff’s office launched an internal investigation into Hendershot, which will be completed once a full report is given from OPD, according to the release.

Authorities learned the woman took a shower inside Hendershot’s home after they went to the gym, knocked over a shampoo bottle, and heard a “rattle” inside the bottle, The Olympian reported.  The woman inspected the bottle and discovered a camera inside with an SD card attached.

According to the media outlet, the woman told law enforcement the camera was on and was placed toward her chest, leading her to believe Hendershot used the camera for sexual gratification. The woman said she took photos of the shampoo bottle, put it back, and left the house.

In TCSO’s news release, the sheriff’s office stated the Olympia Police Department served a search warrant on the residence and seized digital evidence.

Sentencing and conditions

Superior Court Judge John Skinder found probable cause for first-degree voyeurism Tuesday and ordered Hendershot to be released with several conditions, according to The Olympian.

The media outlet stated Hendershot will be electronically home monitored and will be barred from contacting the woman, owning a firearm, leaving the state, or committing crimes.

If Hendershot violates any of these orders, prosecutors may ask for an arrest warrant and a revocation of his release conditions.

Read more of Jason Sutich’s stories here.