At least 20 individuals granted clemency by former President Donald Trump have faced new criminal charges. This includes Jon Donyae Ponder, founder and CEO of a Las Vegas-based prisoner reentry program. He was arrested by Las Vegas police on charges related to sexual assault.
Ponder’s Case
Jon Ponder, 60, led Hope for Prisoners, a program aimed at helping former inmates reintegrate into society. His arrest on charges of sexual assault, unauthorized custodial contact, and attempted coercion led to his booking into the Clark County Detention Center. Details about his legal representation remain unclear.
Broader Recidivism Trend
Trump issued 237 clemency actions during his first term and 1,500 more following his reelection in 2024. A study by Lawfare found that at least 97 individuals, pardoned for their involvement in the Capitol riot, faced subsequent accusations of new crimes. Of these, 19 cases arose after Trump pardoned them on January 20, 2025.
Examples of New Charges
Andrew Paul Johnson: Convicted of child molestation after a previous pardon for participation in January 6 riots. He now serves a life sentence.
Zachary Alam: After pardon, arrested for home invasion, then convicted of grand larceny and burglary.
Ryan Nichols: Previously sentenced for Capitol riot offenses, later charged with deadly conduct and harassment.
Andrew Taake: Arrested on outstanding charges of online solicitation of a minor.
Edward Kelley: Former Marine sentenced to life in prison for plotting to murder FBI agents.
Emily Hernandez: Sentenced to 10 years for a fatal DUI crash.
Daniel Ball: Charged for illegal gun possession as a previously pardoned felon.
David Daniel: Indicted for child pornography and sexual assault.
Shane Jason Woods: Convicted of aggravated DUI and reckless homicide.
Theodore Middendorf: Serving a 19-year sentence for sexual assault of a child.
Taylor Taranto: Convicted of illegal gun possession and bomb threat.
Brent John Holdridge: Arrested for burglary and theft.
Jonathan Braun: Guilty of multiple charges after violating supervised release.
Eliyahu Weinstein: Convicted of a new fraud scheme, sentenced to 37 years.
John Andries: Sentenced for violating a peace order.
Bryan Betancur Battisti: Charged for anti-stalking violation and public offenses.
Ryan Yates: Arrested during a Florida prostitution sting.
Christopher Moynihan: Pleaded guilty to issuing death threats, sentenced to probation.
Daniel Tocci: Sentenced for possession of child sexual abuse materials.