Police Arrest Former High School Counselor for Sexual Assault

In July of 2025, Fort Collins Police Services (FCPS) received a report that a former Poudre School District (PSD) counselor had an inappropriate relationship with a student while employed at PSD. Following the report, detectives initiated an investigation into Cassandra Poncelow (DOB: 07/06/1985), an employee with PSD between 2007 and 2024.

The investigation revealed that Poncelow had an inappropriate relationship with a student for several years and sexually assaulted the student on multiple occasions off campus. When the crimes occurred, the victim was a juvenile; however, the victim is now an adult.

Poncelow was arrested on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, and booked into the 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 an enhancer of Crime of Violence
• 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 School District has been cooperative throughout the investigation. Detectives are concerned there may be more victims or witnesses of additional criminal behavior related to Poncelow. Anyone who believes they are a victim or have additional information related to this type of behavior is asked to contact Detective Cole Giandomenico at (970) 221-6558, or Larimer County Crime Stoppers at (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. Our priority remains centered on the victim's well-being and the thoroughness of this investigation. I am appreciative of the diligent efforts by our Crimes Against Persons detectives in this case," said Lieutenant Sara Lynd, who oversees the FCPS Crimes Against Persons Unit.

Charges are merely an accusation by law enforcement, and the suspect must be presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.