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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 was sentenced on August 18, 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 pleaded guilty to six crimes“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 was charged with two residential burglaries“The charges Ponder pled guilty to are 2 counts of Residential Burglary, 1 count of 2nd Degree Commercial Burglary, 1 count of 1st Degree Theft, 1 count of 1st Degree Trafficking in Stolen Property and 1 count of 1st Degree Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.”
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Sean T. Ponder was charged with a commercial burglary“1 count of 2nd Degree Commercial Burglary,”
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Sean T. Ponder was charged with theft of high-end items“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 Spokane County Superior Court case involved burglaries in Spokane Valley“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 Spokane County Superior Court case involved burglaries in 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 Spokane County Superior Court case involved a break-in at a former employer’s business“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 break-in at a former employer’s business was on East Trent Avenue“the business of a former employer located on E. Trent Ave.”
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Sean T. Ponder has 18 prior 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 has four prior burglary 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 received the maximum sentence under Washington State guidelines“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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Victims testified that the burglaries 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 sought the maximum sentence to prevent 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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Defense argued for drug treatment“The Defense asked the court to impose a Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative (DOSA), arguing that substance abuse treatment would prevent his recidivism.”
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Judge Michelle Szambelan denied a Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative“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“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 ordered concurrent sentences totaling 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.”