CLEMENCY FOR CLYDE

Trump Pardons Convicted Bank Robber Who Now Helps Inmates During RNC Appearance

Jon Ponder robbed a bank in Nevada in 2004. His arresting officer also spoke at the convention.

President Donald Trump pardoned a bank robber convicted on federal charges during the second night of the Republican National Convention. Jon Ponder robbed a bank in Nevada in 2004, and the former FBI officer who arrested him, Richard Beasley, spoke at the convention as well. Since his conviction, Ponder has founded a nonprofit, Hope for Prisoners, dedicated to reducing recidivism and helping inmates better integrate into society after completing their sentences. Ponder was also convicted twice on state charges of domestic battery in the 1990s and early 2000s, for which he received clemency earlier this year. “Jon’s life is a testament to the power of redemption,” Trump said before announcing the full pardon.