Former Fort Collins high school counselor arrested for sexual assault

Cassandra Poncelow

Fort Collins police arrested a former Poudre School District counselor Tuesday on suspicion of repeatedly sexually assaulting a former student.

Cassandra Poncelow, 40, was arrested on suspicion of several charges, including sexual assault on a child, criminal contempt to commit sexual exploitation of children and aggravated sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist, according to a news release from the Fort Collins Police Department.

While employed at the district from 2007 through 2024, Poncelow allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student for several years and sexually assaulted them multiple times off campus, according to the release. The victim, now and adult, was a child when the crimes took place.

She worked at eight district schools over that 17-year career with the district.

“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 Lt. Sara Lynd, who oversees the Fort Collins Police Services Crimes Against Persons Unit, in the release. “Our priority remains centered on the victim’s well-being and the thoroughness of this investigation.”

A spokesperson for Poudre Schools provided this statement:

“Poudre School District is aware that Cassandra Poncelow, a former employee in the district, was arrested following a Fort Collins Police Services investigation into allegations involving a minor. These allegations are deeply troubling. The district has fully cooperated with law enforcement throughout the investigation.

The safety and well-being of our students are our highest priority. We are committed to maintaining a safe, supportive learning environment and to responding with transparency and care.

Because this is an active investigation, and to protect the privacy of those involved, we are unable to share additional details.”

Investigators believe there may have been more victims or witnesses of Pencelow’s criminal behavior, and are asking those with information about the case to contact Det. Cole Giandomenico at 970-221-6558 or Larimer County Crime Stoppers at 970-221-6868.

The Denver Gazette’s news partners 9NEWS contributed to this report. 

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