Ponder Sentenced to 10-Year Prison Term

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  Sean T. Ponder was sentenced to 116 months in prison“Instead, Judge Szambelan followed the State’s recommendation and sentenced Ponder to the high-end of the sentencing range for each count to be served concurrently, totaling 116 months in prison.”
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  Sean T. Ponder pleaded guilty to six crimes related to burglaries and thefts“Sean T. Ponder (40) pleaded guilty to 6 crimes related to a series of burglaries and thefts in January and June of this year.”
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  The crimes occurred in Spokane Valley and Chattaroy“Ponder's crime spree included breaking into two homes, one in Chattaroy and one in Spokane Valley, and the business of a former employer located on E. Trent Ave., where he stole high-end valuables such as laptops, jewelry, and from one of the homes, a firearm.”
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  The crimes occurred in January and June 2026“On August 18, 2026, in Spokane County Superior Court, Sean T. Ponder (40) pleaded guilty to 6 crimes related to a series of burglaries and thefts in January and June of this year.”
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  Sean T. Ponder is 40 years old“Sean T. Ponder (40) pleaded guilty to 6 crimes related to a series of burglaries and thefts in January and June of this year.”
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  Sean T. Ponder's criminal history includes 18 felony convictions“Ponder's criminal history consists of 18 felony convictions, including 4 Burglary and 3 Unlawful Possession of a Firearm convictions.”
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  Sean T. Ponder's criminal history includes four burglaries“Ponder's criminal history consists of 18 felony convictions, including 4 Burglary and 3 Unlawful Possession of a Firearm convictions.”
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  Sean T. Ponder's criminal history includes three unlawful firearm possession charges“Ponder's criminal history consists of 18 felony convictions, including 4 Burglary and 3 Unlawful Possession of a Firearm convictions.”
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  Spokane County Superior Court Judge Michelle Szambelan rejected a request for drug treatment“Judge Michelle Szambelan declined to sentence Ponder to a DOSA, noting his significant conviction history and his staggering number of current convictions.”
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  Spokane County Superior Court Judge Michelle Szambelan opted for the maximum sentence of 116 months“Judge Michelle Szambelan declined to sentence Ponder to a DOSA, noting his significant conviction history and his staggering number of current convictions. Instead, Judge Szambelan followed the State’s recommendation and sentenced Ponder to the high-end of the sentencing range for each count to be served concurrently, totaling 116 months in prison.”
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  The maximum sentence of 116 months will be served concurrently“Judge Michelle Szambelan declined to sentence Ponder to a DOSA, noting his significant conviction history and his staggering number of current convictions. Instead, Judge Szambelan followed the State’s recommendation and sentenced Ponder to the high-end of the sentencing range for each count to be served concurrently, totaling 116 months in prison.”
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  Victims testified about the loss of their sense of safety“At the sentencing hearing, victims of both residential burglaries told the court that Ponder took more than their belongings, he took their sense of safety and security.”
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  The State requested the high-end sentence to protect community safety“The State requested the court impose the high-end of the sentencing range on all 6 counts, arguing that such a sentence would promote greater community safety as Ponder is likely to reoffend.”
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  The State cited Ponder's likelihood of reoffending“The State requested the court impose the high-end of the sentencing range on all 6 counts, arguing that such a sentence would promote greater community safety as Ponder is likely to reoffend.”
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  The case was handled by Deputy Prosecutor Charles Crook“Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Charles Crook handled the case for the State.”
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  The case received assistance from law enforcement agencies“Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Charles Crook handled the case for the State. We thank him, our Victim/Witness Advocates, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, the Spokane Valley Police Department and the Spokane Police Department for their work.”