JSO investigating in-custody death of 80-year-old inmate

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is investigating an in-custody death that happened on Wednesday evening at a local hospital.

The inmate identified as Jimmie Lee Ponder, 80, was awaiting trial on two counts of failure to comply with sexual offender requirements, JSO said. He was arrested on Oct. 31, 2025.

Detectives said no foul play was involved and his official cause of death will be determined by an investigation by the Medical Examiner’s Office.