KELY News sponsored by Sahara Motors. The Kawasaki KX450 is built out of the box with everything you need to dominate the track. Check it out today at Sahara Motors and let the Good Times Roll.
Look for a mostly fair sky today, with the high around 95.
A major scandal at a prominent non-profit. Jon Ponder, the CEO of "Hope For Prisoners," is in custody after four women came forward accusing him of using his position to sexually exploit inmates under his care.
According to a new arrest declaration, Ponder allegedly solicited oral sex, engaged in phone sex, and made graphic advances against women at the Jean Conservation Camp and Casa Grande transition housing. The victims report they felt coerced, fearing he would sabotage their chances for release or reunification with their children if they refused.
One victim told investigators Ponder threatened that "things were going to get bad" if she didn't comply, while others said they were afraid to refuse because he controlled their parole recommendations.
The investigation escalated when police executed a search warrant on Ponder's home and office on Monday, discovering methamphetamine on the premises. Ponder, who was pardoned by President Trump in 2020 after serving time for bank robbery, ignored seven calls from police before being arrested.
He now faces multiple felony charges, including sexual assault and custodial contact, and is scheduled to appear in court Thursday.
The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office handled several calls Tuesday, including child welfare concerns, theft, fraud and reckless driving.
A report of possible child abuse at an Ely business was investigated and forwarded to the Division of Child and Family Services.
Two reports of smoke near the Ward Mountain fire area were referred to the Bureau of Land Management.
Deputies also investigated a theft at a local business. The suspect was trespassed from the business at management’s request.
A reported online rental scam involved money and cryptocurrency sent through social media.
Other calls included reckless driving, a juvenile throwing rocks at motorists on a state highway, and a report involving an individual living in a vehicle with a child.
A harassment complaint was also investigated and determined to be unfounded.
A Lincoln County man died after being arrested Tuesday in Caliente.
Lincoln County deputies executed a search warrant Tuesday afternoon and arrested Bryan Teal. He was transported without incident to the Lincoln County Detention Center.
After arriving at the detention center, staff observed Teal exhibiting concerning behavior and called for an ambulance.
Teal was transported to a medical facility, where he was later pronounced dead.
Because the death occurred following an arrest, the Nevada Department of Investigation is conducting an investigation, as is standard procedure for an in-custody death.
Authorities say Teal’s next of kin has been notified.
The White Pine County Horse Races and County Fair returns to Ely this weekend, with three days of rodeo action, horse racing, live music, food and family entertainment.
Things get underway Friday, with exhibit registration at nine a.m. and the Ranch Rodeo at nine. Livestock activities begin at two, followed by horse racing at three and team roping afterward. Friday night features a volunteer firemen’s barbecue and live music from “Most Wanted.”
Saturday, the fair opens at nine, with four-H, vendors, livestock shows and kids’ activities. Horse racing begins at one, including the Governor’s Quarterhorse Stakes, followed by team roping and live music Saturday night.
Sunday features a livestock sale, dinosaur mascot races, barrel racing and more horse racing.
The White Pine County Fair runs Friday through Sunday at the White Pine County Horse Races grounds in Ely.
That’s your morning news from White Pine County and the state of Nevada