A woman identified in court documents as RS filed a federal lawsuit Thursday against Jon Ponder, his nonprofit Hope for Prisoners, and the Nevada Department of Corrections. The complaint alleges Ponder groomed and sexually abused her at the Jean Conservation Camp and at the organization's Las Vegas offices, and that the abuse continued after her release.
The lawsuit states Ponder used his delegated authority to exploit women under his supervision, targeting mothers desperate to see their children and isolating them where no cameras or officers could see. It further accuses the corrections department of failing to protect inmates, exempting Ponder from security rules, and disregarding complaints against him. Claims against Hope for Prisoners include negligence and failures in hiring and supervision.
The civil case follows a criminal investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department that began after complaints to the Office of the Inspector General. Ponder was arrested in August on suspicion of nine felonies and 11 gross misdemeanors, including sexual assault. He was indicted in late September on additional charges, including four counts of sexual assault, multiple counts of sexual abuse of a prisoner by a contractor or volunteer, two counts of first-degree kidnapping, and one count of open or gross lewdness.
According to the arrest report, detectives concluded Ponder used his relationship with the corrections department and his position of authority to prey on vulnerable female inmates at Jean Conservation Camp and Casa Grande Transitional Housing. The report states he intentionally chose women with limited opportunities due to their custody status and used personal information gained through his position to target single mothers seeking to regain custody of their children.
The allegations have damaged Ponder's public redemption narrative from convicted bank robber to celebrated reentry program founder. Some faith leaders and nonprofit groups have distanced themselves from the organization. Hope for Prisoners and the Nevada Department of Corrections did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and it is unclear from court records if Ponder has retained an attorney for the civil case.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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