Prolific Burglar Sentenced to 116 Months

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  Sean T. Ponder was sentenced to 116 months in prison“Judge Michelle 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.”
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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 burglary 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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  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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  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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  Judge Michelle Szambelan cited Sean T. Ponder's extensive criminal history as the reason for rejecting 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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  Judge Michelle Szambelan imposed the maximum sentence for all charges“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 for all charges was to run concurrently“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 that Sean T. Ponder's crimes violated 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 argued the sentence would promote 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 Spokane County Sheriff's Office assisted in the case“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.”
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  Police departments assisted in the case“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.”