Foster father accused of sexual assault released from jail at no cost
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Joel Longshore was released from jail at no cost after being charged with sexual assault on a child, even though prosecutors argued against releasing him without a cash bond.
Longshore, 46, was charged in December 2020 with six counts of sexual abuse and assault on a child. The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) said Longshore sexually abused at least one foster child in his home. CSPD believes there are more victims and currently has an ongoing investigation into Longshore.
In a May 2019 interview with KRDO News Radio, Longshore's wife said they became licensed foster parents in 2018. She said at the time the foster boys ranged from ages 1 to 12.
KRDO found Longshore was able to get out of jail on a personal recognizance (PR) bond, which doesn't require property or cash to be put up in December 2020. Court records show that El Paso County Judge Monica Jo Gomez granted the PR bond in December. Typically, someone charged with crimes similar to Longshore is required to put up a $10,000 bond.
The 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office did argue against the PR bond for Longshore, according to a spokesperson for the office.
If you have any information about Longshore or possible unreported incidences of sexual abuse, contact CSPD immediately.
Editor's note: A previous version of this story included part of Longshore's foster parenting history that said his family fostered four children placed by Special Kids Special Families. That information has been removed while we await a full record of Longshore's history as a foster parent.
