LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A Las Vegas restaurant that relies on the Hope for Prisoners program to staff its kitchen says it hopes the organization continues despite the arrest of its CEO.
Jon Ponder, CEO of Hope for Prisoners, was arrested this week on charges of sexual assault and other counts. Las Vegas Metro police are urging any other potential victims to come forward.
Hope for Prisoners is a Las Vegas organization that works to rehabilitate former inmates back into society. Buldogis restaurant employs former inmates who went through the program, including chefs Denfield Wright and Kevin Searcy.
Former inmates describe rejection before program
“Nobody wanted to hire me. Nobody wanted to give me a shot. Nobody wanted to sit down and see what I had to offer them,” Wright said.
Restaurant owner says program employees excel
Buldogis owner Boyzie Milner said most of the restaurant’s staff comes out of the Hope for Prisoners program.
“But we are really glad that we’ll be able to give them opportunity,” Milner said.
Milner said employees from the program often outperform people without a criminal record.
“Yeah, they’re the best employee you can have. They’re very grateful about their second chance,” Milner said.
News of arrest hits team hard
Milner said Ponder’s arrest Tuesday was difficult for the restaurant’s staff to hear.
“A lot of employees, they respect him as a mentor. So when news came out a couple of days ago, it was very shocking to us and also very shocking to our employees,” Milner said.
MORE ON FOX5: Report: Hope for Prisoners CEO arrested, accused of sexually assaulting inmates
Milner said he hopes the program continues regardless of the case against Ponder.
“So hopefully this incident, this news doesn’t affect the program. We hope somebody or some organization takes over and keeps continuing this program,” Milner said.
Employee says direction “goes a long way”
Wright said giving people an opportunity and guidance can make a difference.
“You give somebody a chance to give them the opportunity. And you show them a little attention and direction. You’d be surprised, you know, what it will lead to,” Wright said.
Workers at Buldogis urge other valley businesses to remain compassionate and open-minded to those seeking transformation.
Hope for Prisoners board issues statement
The Board of Directors of Hope for Prisoners sent FOX5 a statement addressing the charges against Ponder.
“The Board of Directors of HOPE for Prisoners is shocked and deeply concerned by the recent charges brought against its CEO, Jon Ponder. These allegations are extremely serious and entirely inconsistent with the core values of the organization,” the statement said.
“HOPE’s daily operations will continue without interruption. We remain fully committed to HOPE’s vital mission of helping individuals successfully reenter the workforce, transform their families, and rebuild their lives,” the statement said.
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