Fort Collins Police Arrest Former School Counselor for Sexual Assault on a Child

Fort Collins Police Services arrested a former Poudre School District counselor on November 19 following a months-long investigation into allegations of a sexual relationship with a juvenile student.

Janell Edsall, 29, was booked into the Larimer County Jail on charges including class 3 felony sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, class 4 felony sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist, and class 2 misdemeanor false reporting to authorities.

Police began investigating in August 2025 after being notified of a sexual relationship between Edsall and a juvenile student at Poudre Community Academy, where she worked as a school counselor. Detectives determined the relationship lasted approximately one year beginning in 2023. The victim was a juvenile when the crimes occurred but is now an adult.

Edsall has not been employed with Poudre School District since July 2025. She also worked as a private practice counselor at Vine Counseling LLC in Fort Collins.

Enhanced Charges Reflect Position of Authority

The class 3 felony charge of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust carries a presumptive sentence of four to 12 years imprisonment under Colorado Revised Statutes Section 18-3-405.3. Colorado law can extend the sentence from two to 24 years based on extraordinary circumstances or aggravating factors.

The "position of trust" designation applies to those entrusted with a child's health, education, welfare or supervision, explicitly including teachers and school staff, according to C.R.S. Section 18-3-401. This status increases the severity of the offense due to the authority and responsibility placed in the defendant.

The class 4 felony charge of sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist applies when a licensed counselor engages in sexual contact with a client during the professional relationship. Consent is not a defense to this charge due to the inherent power imbalance, according to Colorado criminal jury instructions. This charge carries a presumptive sentence of two to six years imprisonment.

Both sex offense charges may result in indeterminate sentencing extending potential incarceration up to life under Colorado law for certain sex crimes against children.

Multiple Safeguards Required for School Counselors

Colorado requires extensive safeguards for school employees working with children. All Poudre School District employees must pass comprehensive background checks including fingerprints submitted to both the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and FBI.

School counselors must hold valid licenses from the Colorado Department of Education. Those providing clinical services also require licensure from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies Division of Professions and Occupations.

Colorado's mandatory reporting statute, C.R.S. Section 19-3-304, requires school officials including counselors to report suspected child abuse or neglect immediately upon knowledge or reasonable cause. Reports must be made to law enforcement or county human services. Failure to report can result in criminal penalties and professional discipline.

District policies typically prohibit inappropriate contact with students and require staff to avoid situations where they are alone with a student unless necessary and appropriately documented. Counselors must document all meetings with students using secure and trackable systems.

Counselors working in both school and private practice settings must disclose their licensure to both employers and avoid professional conflicts or dual relationships that might compromise objectivity. Disciplinary action in one setting can affect eligibility for work in the other.

Detectives Seek Additional Victims or Witnesses

Detectives expressed concern there may be more victims or witnesses of additional criminal behavior related to Edsall. Anyone who believes they are a victim or has additional information is asked to contact Detective RJ Tuttle at 970-416-2825 or Larimer County Crime Stoppers at 970-221-6868.

Poudre School District has been cooperative throughout the investigation, according to Fort Collins Police Services.

Private practice counselors in Colorado are regulated by DORA and must complete accredited graduate training, pass a national clinical examination, complete supervised clinical experience typically exceeding 2,000 hours, undergo criminal background checks, and maintain mandatory continuing education.

All charges are accusations by law enforcement, and Edsall must be presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.