CSAM & Predators - Phoenix Neuropsychologist Sentenced to 17 years

On November 3, 2005, Arizona ICAC investigators received disturbing information from a corporate attorney for a local healthcare organization. The attorney said that an alert Information Technology (IT) Specialist employed by the organization had observed unusual Internet traffic originating from an employee's computer. A computer logged in under an employee's name was trafficking sexually explicit chat conversations, apparently with minors, and the computer user was attempting to arrange meetings for sex with the minors.

Using the screen name "tripledigitheat" the computer user was discussing sex acts already completed with one unidentified minor. The IT specialist tracked the origin of the Internet traffic to someone logged it under the employee user name, "sthenderson". Investigators were informed that "sthenderson" was the name assigned to an account registered to Dr. Steven Henderson, a neuropsychologist employed by the healthcare organization.

An intense week-long proactive investigation ensued. AZ ICAC investigators along with the Maricopa County (Arizona) Attorney's Office authored and sent subpoenas for the purpose of identifying those involved in the alleged offenses. Henderson was placed under covert surveillance.

On November 11, 2005, "tripledigitheat", engaged in sexually explicit Internet chat conversation with the intent to meet a minor for sex. His chats included the following excerpted statements:

"So are you maybe interested some in guys and girls or..?" "Do you have a myspace or something" "So have you ever thought about meeting someone from online?" "I supposed to meet up with a friend today, but he's not on now" "Have a little fun...LOL.. like (expletive) off together" "So are you at home now?" "Hey...if I'm free for the next hour, we could meet now LOL..." "I have met a guy b4 yes" "Ive met guys and we've (expletive) off together" "Yea, if we went back to ur apt, yes" "Not to hurt you or something or rob you...never never never" "So u wanna meet then" "I can be there in 5 minutes" "I'm excited to meet ya"

On November 11, 2005, at 1430 hours Henderson left his office at 350 W. Thomas in Phoenix and drove to a convenience store with the intent to meet a minor for sex. He was met instead by detectives and taken into custody. Immediately aware of his predicament, but selfishly oblivious to the suffering of others Henderson lamented, "No, no, no, don't do this! Don't do this! You don't understand, you're ending my life!" "My life is over!"

Henderson invoked his Fifth amendment privilege against self-incrimination. His workplace computer was seized pursuant to a search warrant.

Investigators identified the minor victim (name withheld) who provided statements incriminating Henderson. Physical trace evidence was recovered from the victim's home. The evidence matched Henderson and corroborated the victim's story.

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office handled plea negotiations.

On July 3, 2006, Henderson plead guilty before Judge Andrew G. Klein of the Maricopa County Superior Court to one felony count of sexual conduct with a minor and dangerous crime against children in the first degree. He also plead guilty to three counts of felony attempted sexual conduct with a minor and dangerous crimes against children in the second degree.

On August 25, 2006, Dr. Steven William Henderson, age 41, was sentenced to 17 years prison, lifetime probation, and sex offender registration.