Clark County Deputy District Attorney Michelle Fleck told a judge Wednesday that Jon Ponder, the founder of Hope for Prisoners who received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump in 2020, is a "prolific sexual predator" who exploited his access to female inmates. Fleck alleged Ponder used his relationships with powerful officials — including Gov. Joe Lombardo, former District Attorney Steve Wolfson, and former Undersheriff Kevin McMahill — to gain trust and unfettered access to women at the Jean Conservation Camp and Casa Grande transitional housing.
"He cultivated relationships with some of the most powerful people in this community and in this state while smoking methamphetamine behind closed doors," Fleck said, noting police found meth and paraphernalia during a search of Ponder's home. The indictment involves seven victims and spans from 2015 to 2026. Fleck argued Ponder used his authority over women dependent on his program for reentry to obtain their submission.
The Nevada Current previously reported that the Hope for Prisoners board was advised in 2020 to terminate Ponder following an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations. However, following Trump's pardon and a wave of national support, the board — which included McMahill and Wolfson — did not fire him. Lombardo, who was sheriff at the time and formed a partnership with the program, has declined to say whether Metro investigated the allegations or to comment on a 2024 board member resignation letter referencing them.
Fleck asked Judge Ron Israel to maintain or increase Ponder's $1 million bail, arguing he demonstrated an ability to appear trustworthy while repeatedly betraying those who trusted him most. The judge ultimately lowered the bail amount, though the new figure was not specified in the hearing.
Sources: Nevada Current
Original reporting: 8 News Now →
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