CRIME BLOTTER

Thurston County jail sergeant accused of voyeurism, released without bail

May 21, 2025, 4:06 PM

Olympia Police gun bus teen...

An Olympia Police Department vehicle. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

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.

Crime Blotter

seattle homeless drug...

Jason Sutich

‘Profiting from some of Seattle’s most vulnerable’: Federal Way man sentenced for role in drug ring targeting homeless people

A 54-year-old Federal Way man was sentenced to three years in prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that targeted homeless people in Seattle.

5 minutes ago

wa tacoma police lawlessness...

Jason Sutich

4th suspect arrested in Tacoma homicide nearly 2 months after shooting

A fourth homicide suspect was arrested Wednesday by the Tacoma Police Department (TPD) for a case that is nearly two months old.

2 hours ago

wa home invasion us marshals...

Jason Sutich

2 accused of posing as U.S. Marshals during home invasion arrested in WA, CA

Washington U.S. Marshals arrested two suspects Monday who allegedly posed as deputy U.S. Marshals during a home invasion in Alabama.

3 hours ago

bite attack seattle...

KIRO 7 News Staff

New video shows aftermath of downtown Seattle bite attack

KIRO 7 obtained a new look at the aftermath of a gruesome attack in downtown Seattle.

6 hours ago

bite of seattle ferguson text...

Frank Lenzi

Bite of Seattle shooting: Ferguson texts reveal Jayapal’s concerns about news conference

U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal questioned whether she and Gov. Bob Ferguson should attend a news conference after the July 26 Bite of Seattle shooting, according to text messages released by Ferguson’s office. The shooting left three people dead and four others wounded.

13 hours ago

Ireland...

Jason Sutich

‘No way to escape’: Ireland man sentenced for disrupting Dublin-to-Seattle flight

A Northern Ireland resident who disrupted an Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Seattle on June 19 was sentenced Wednesday.

22 hours ago

Thurston County jail sergeant accused of voyeurism, released without bail