A growing coalition of supporters is calling for justice in the case of Prentice Ponds, a Tulsa man sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 25 years for robbery, insurance fraud, and assault stemming from a 2015 altercation with an insurance adjuster. Advocates, including Sarah DeArmond of Voiceless Behind Bars and now Injustice Spotlight, are shining a spotlight on what they describe as a miscarriage of justice.
A rally hosted by the local chapter of the NAACP took place at Ella Mae’s Event Center in North Tulsa, drawing family members, activists, and other advocates. Attendees wore t-shirts and carried signs calling for Ponds' release. Many highlighted inconsistencies in the case and questioned whether systemic bias contributed to his harsh sentence.
In August 2015, Ponds, who was on parole at the time, filed an insurance claim after a U-Haul truck backed into his 2014 Chevy Camaro. The insurance company sent an adjuster to his home to review the claim, but the meeting quickly escalated. According to Ponds, the adjuster confronted him with a copy of his past criminal record, accusing him of fraud.
“I was reading the paper when he rushed into me,” Ponds explained. “I wrestled with him to defend myself and asked him to leave my home.” Ponds stated that after realizing the adjuster was injured, he offered him water and paper towels and called the police himself.
Despite Ponds' claim of self-defense, prosecutors argued that he had assaulted the adjuster, stolen documents, and fabricated the insurance claim. Photos provided by Ponds, which reportedly show the insurance documents left behind at the scene and evidence of him offering assistance, were not enough to sway the jury.
At Saturday’s rally, Yolanda Washington of Gloria’s Angels reiterated Ponds’ assertion that the insurance adjuster initiated the physical altercation. “Prentice contacted the police to report what happened because he knew the odds were stacked against him,” she said.
Sarah DeArmond, a longtime prisoner advocate, has taken up Ponds' case. Through her work with Voiceless Behind Bars and Injustice Spotlight, DeArmond has amplified Ponds’ story. She has featured him on her podcast, where he shared his perspective on the events leading to his conviction and his refusal to accept plea deals.
Supporters argue that Ponds’ is innocent and his sentence is disproportionately severe, given the circumstances. They also raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest in the trial, pointing to Judge Kelly Greenough’s prior work as an attorney for the State Insurance Fund, which could have influenced her impartiality.
“Prentice was doing everything right—working full-time, making house payments, and rebuilding his relationship with his children,” said DeArmond. “This was a case where his past overshadowed the facts.”
With no more legal appeals available, Ponds' advocates hope public attention will compel the Tulsa County District Attorney to reconsider the charges. They are also planning additional actions, including media campaigns and petitions, to bring further attention to his case.
As Ponds continues to serve his sentence, his supporters remain steadfast. They believe his case is another example of systemic injustice, particularly for individuals with prior convictions.
To learn more about Ponds’ story, listen to his interviews on Sarah DeArmond’s podcast, where he discusses his journey and his fight for justice.
Advocates are urging others to get involved by spreading awareness and supporting efforts to revisit Ponds' case. For them, this is not just about one man but about challenging a system that too often marginalizes individuals seeking a second chance.