LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Jon Ponder, founder and CEO of Hope for Prisoners, was arrested Tuesday afternoon, sources first told FOX5.

Detectives believe there may be additional victims in the community.

Charges

The 60-year-old was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on one count of sexual assault, seven counts of unauthorized custodial contact, one count of attempted coercion, sexually motivated, and 11 gross misdemeanor charges.

Investigation

Detectives are urging anyone who may have been a victim of Ponder, or anyone with additional information related to the investigation, to contact LVMPD detectives at 702-828-3251.

About Hope for Prisoners

According to the organization’s website, Ponder came up with the idea for Hope for Prisoners while he was serving a prison sentence.

Hope for Prisoners is a nonprofit organization based in Las Vegas, Nevada, that provides reentry services to men, women, and young adults returning to the community after incarceration.

The organization focuses on mental, physical, and spiritual growth and development, and works with each client to address barriers faced during the reintegration process.

The goal of the program is to help the men and women it serves become leaders of themselves, their families, and their community, according to the website.

This is a developing story. It will be updated as more information becomes available.

Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.

Shares:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *