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

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

  • February 12, 2026

Jimmie Lee Ponder, 80, died at a hospital while in JSO custody. (Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)

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.

Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.

About the AuthorJonathan Lundy headshot

Hailing from Detroit, Jonathan is excited to start his media career at News4JAX in November 2023. He is passionate about telling stories that matter to the community and he is honored to serve Jacksonville.

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