FORT COLLINS, Colo. — In July 2025, Fort Collins Police Services (FCPS) began investigating Cassandra Poncelow, a former Poudre School District (PSD) counselor, after receiving a report of an inappropriate relationship with a student during her employment from 2007 to 2024.
Detectives uncovered that Poncelow engaged in a prolonged inappropriate relationship with a student, including multiple instances of sexual assault off campus. At the time, the victim was a juvenile but has since reached adulthood.
On August 19, 2025, Poncelow was arrested and booked into Larimer County Jail on the following charges:
Class 3 Felony: Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust – pattern of abuse (1 count) with a Crime of Violence enhancer
Class 4 Felony: Criminal Attempt to Commit Sexual Exploitation of Children (1 count)
Class 4 Felony: Aggravated Sexual Assault on a Client by a Psychotherapist (1 count)
Class 4 Felony: Sexual Assault (1 count)
The Poudre School District has cooperated fully with the investigation. Authorities suspect there may be additional victims or witnesses and encourage anyone with information to contact Detective Cole Giandomenico at (970) 221-6558 or Larimer County Crime Stoppers at (970) 221-6868.
Lieutenant Sara Lynd, head of FCPS Crimes Against Persons Unit, stated, “Our priority remains the victim’s well-being and ensuring accountability. Cases like this deeply impact the community, and we commend our detectives for their thorough work.”
It is important to note that charges are allegations, and Poncelow is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
