RNC 2020: Trump highlights pardoned bank robber Jon Ponder

Ponder now leads a program in Las Vegas that helps former prisoners reenter society, called Hope for Prisoners.

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Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Trump highlights pardoned bank robber Jon Ponder
President Donald Trump is highlighting the pardon of Jon Ponder, a Nevada man convicted of bank robbery. Video shows the president signing the document as Ponder and his wife look on.

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump highlighted the pardon of a Nevada man convicted of bank robbery as part of the second day of programming at the Republican National Convention.

In a video, Trump says that the story of Jon Ponder is a "beautiful testament to the power of redemption." Ponder now leads a program in Las Vegas that helps former prisoners reenter society, called Hope for Prisoners.

Trump has trumpeted criminal justice reform as part of his outreach to Black and evangelical voters.

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The video shows the president signing the document as Ponder and his wife look on.

The retired FBI agent who had arrested Ponder and went on to become one of his best friends also appeared with Trump and Ponder.

In this White House handout video, President Donald Trump pardons Jon Ponder, a Nevada man convicted of bank robbery. Trump said Ponder's story is a "beautiful testament to the power of redemption."