Colorado’s Former School Counselor of the Year Faces Multiple Felony Allegations

A former high school counselor in the city of Fort Collins has been arrested because of their relationship with a student.

Former Fort Collins School Counselor Arrested

The city of Fort Collins issued a press release that details the charges against former Poudre Valley School District employee Cassandra Poncelow. The 40-year-old employee is now facing four felony charges.

Here is what the city said.

…Poncelow had an inappropriate relationship with a student for several years and sexually assaulted the student on multiple occasions off campus.

Longtime Poudre School District Employee

Poncelow was an employee at Poudre School District for 17 years. The victim was a student but has spoken out since they have reached adulthood.

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Multiple Felony Charges Filed in Northern Colorado

Poncelow faced a Class 3 felony of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust. She also faces four Class 4 felonies, including aggravated sexual assault on a client by a Psychotherapist, sexual assault, and criminal attempt to commit sexual exploitation of children.

Larimer County Police Report Details Released

The report and investigation began in July, but Poncelow was arrested on August 19.

CBS was able to get the official police report. According to CBS, Poncelow told the victim that if they told anybody about the abuse, Poncelow would participate in self-harm. They claim that the relationship began on school grounds and evolved outside of campus.

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Investigation Still Ongoing in Northern Colorado

The abuse continued for years. In 2016, Poncelow was named the School Counselor of the Year for the entire state of Colorado.

The investigation is ongoing and we will provide updates.