High school counselor sexually assaulted student for years, CO officials say

A 40-year-old former high school counselor has been accused of sexually assaulting a minor while employed by the school district, Colorado officials said.

While employed by the Poudre School District between 2007 and 2024, Cassandra Poncelow, sexually assaulted a student off campus multiple times, according to an Aug. 19 news release by the city of Fort Collins.

The student, now an adult, was a minor at the time, officials said.

The “relationship” began in the school counseling office before it was moved off campus, officials told CBS News Colorado.

Poncelow kissed the girl and touched her in a sexual manner throughout the years and threatened to harm herself if she told police about the abuse, officials told CBS Colorado.

During her tenure, Poncelow was assigned to Cache la Poudre Middle School, Career Tech Center, Fort Collins High School, Irish Elementary School, Lincoln Middle School, Poudre High School, Rocky Mountain High School and Webber Middle School, John Cope, executive director of communications for the school district, told McClatchy News in an email.

“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,” Cope said.

Investigators believe there may be more victims and ask anyone with information to call 970-221-6558, officials said.

Poncelow resigned from the school district, effective September 2024, according to the Board of Education agenda.

On Aug. 19, Collins was arrested and booked into the Larimer County Jail on charges of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, criminal attempt to commit sexual exploitation of children, aggravated sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist and sexual assault, officials said.

Fort Collins is about a 70-mile drive north of Denver.

This story was originally published August 20, 2025 at 2:32 PM with the headline "High school counselor sexually assaulted student for years, CO officials say."