Las Vegas, NV (KXNT) - Jon Ponder, the 60-year-old founder and CEO of the Las Vegas-based nonprofit Hope for Prisoners, was arrested on Tuesday for multiple alleged "sexually based crimes."
Las Vegas Metro Police say Ponder faces 20 charges, including one for sexual assault, one for attempted coercion, seven for unauthorized custodial contact, along with 11 gross misdemeanors.
Ponder founded Hope for Prisoners in 2010 to provide reentry support, mentorship, and services for formerly incarcerated individuals.
A former 3-time felon, Ponder previously served time for bank robbery and was officially pardoned by President Donald Trump in August 2020
Prior to his arrest, Ponder had been banned from Nevada Department of Corrections properties since April 2026 due to an open investigation regarding inappropriate behavior toward a female inmate.
Metro believes that there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with relevant information or potential victims to contact their detectives directly at 702-828-3251. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers of Nevada at 702-385-5555.
Former felon was pardoned by President Trump in 2020
Former felon was pardoned by President Trump in 2020
