Colorado School Counselor Charged with Repeated Sexual Assault of Student
Police allege years-long abuse by Poudre School District counselor; investigators believe more victims may come forward.
FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Fort Collins Police have arrested former Poudre School District counselor Cassandra Poncelow, 40, for allegedly maintaining an inappropriate relationship with a student and sexually assaulting the victim multiple times over several years. According to Fort Collins Police Services (FCPS), the department began investigating after receiving a report in July alleging that Poncelow, who worked in the district from 2007 to 2024, had engaged in a sexual relationship with a student while employed by the district. The assaults reportedly took place off campus, and the victim was a minor at the time but is now an adult.
Poncelow was taken into custody on Tuesday and booked into the Larimer County Jail. She faces multiple felony charges, including sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust (pattern of abuse), criminal attempt to commit sexual exploitation of children, aggravated sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist, and sexual assault. Police also reported that her case includes a crime of violence sentence enhancer, which could increase potential penalties if convicted. Poudre School District has reportedly been cooperative throughout the ongoing investigation.
Authorities believe there may be additional victims or witnesses with information about Poncelow’s alleged conduct. FCPS encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact Detective Cole Giandomenico (970-221-6558) or Larimer County Crime Stoppers (970-221-6868). “We are actively working to support the victim and ensure accountability, knowing that cases like this deeply affect not only those directly involved but the entire community,” said FCPS Lieutenant Sara Lynd. “Our priority remains centered on the victim's well-being and the thoroughness of this investigation.”
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