How Could You? Hall of Shame-Joel Longshore

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From Colorado Springs, Colorado, 46-year-old foster father, Joel Longshore, is “accused of sexually assaulting children placed in his home for foster care. Joel Longshore was arrested for multiple counts of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust.

The investigation began in December 2020.

“During the on-going investigation, additional victims were identified and interviewed about their sexual abuse in the foster home,” investigators stated.

CSPD Special Victims detectives are actively seeking additional information, including potential unreported incidences involving the suspect.

If anyone has any information, or was a victim, please call the Colorado Springs Police Department using the department’s main number, 719-444-7000.”

Joel Longshore Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Children Placed In His Home For Foster Care

[CBS Denver 3/1/21 by Anica Padilla]

“After being arrested for sexually abusing at least one foster child in his care, Joel Longshore bailed out of El Paso County jail under unusual circumstances.

The 46-year-old was arrested on six counts of sex abuse and assault in December 2020.According to police, the abuse happened inside the foster home and there are believed to be more victims.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office confirms to 13 Investigates Longshore was able to leave jail on a personal recognizance bond, which doesn’t require any money or property to be put up for a suspect to bail out.

In El Paso County, those charged with sexual assault crimes such as Longshore are typically required to pay a $10,000 bond.

Longshore touted himself a religious man with a background in biblical studies and youth ministry in his biography on the website for his now defunct adoption non-profit.

His wife interviewed with KRDO News Radio in May 2019 for National Foster Care Month. In that interview, Longshore’s wife said they became licensed foster parents in 2018. She told KRDO News Radio that they had two adoptive sons and four foster sons. Back then, she said the foster boys ranged from ages 1 to 12.”

Four foster children lived with Colorado Springs father accused of sexual abuse
[KRDO 3/2/21 by Chelsea Brentzel]

“Joel Longshore was not only able to walk out of jail without paying a typical bond after being charged with sexual assault on a child, but he was also granted permission to leave the state on March 3.

Longshore is currently facing six counts of sexual abuse and assault on at least one foster child that was in his care.

Court records indicate there are five victims involved in the case against Longshore.

When KRDO tried calling Longshore on the number he provided the El Paso County courts it appeared to be disconnected on Tuesday.

“The fact that he’s changed or disconnected the only phone number that he’s provided to the court and we have no indication that he’s updated that phone number is an absolute concern,” Colorado Springs defense attorney Jeremy Loew said.

Court records show Longshore made a request to leave Colorado on March 1, the same day Colorado Springs Police Department announced that he had been arrested in December and they believed there were more victims.

That request was granted by El Paso County Judge Robert L. Lowry on March 3.

It’s unclear where Longshore is but court minutes from February suggest he wanted to go out of the state to visit family.

Longshore was granted a personal recognizance bond in December. That means the accused child molester was only required to agree to meet future court dates without putting up property or cash like most people do to get out of jail.

“His passport wasn’t required to be surrendered. We don’t really know where he’s at. There’s no one keeping tabs on his location,” Loew explained. “He’s potentially looking at an indeterminate or a life sentence in prison and he could be anywhere.”

With Longshore’s current bond, there are no bondsmen who would chase him down in the event he flees.

“If he bonded out through a bondsmen there would be bondsmen to verify where he’s at all times. They could even require an ankle monitor to make sure he doesn’t flee the state or flee the country,” Loew said.

KRDO has learned that the Longshore family previously cared for four special needs foster children, according to posts made on the Special Kids Special Families website.

The non-profit told KRDO they cut ties with the Longshore’s “some time ago” but wouldn’t elaborate further.

A spokesperson for Special Kids Special Families said on Tuesday, they are waiting for police to finalize their investigation into Longshore.”

Foster parent accused of sexual abuse given permission to leave state

[KRDO 3/9/21 by Chelsea Brentzel]

“Judge Robert Lowery granted Longshore’s defense request to move the arraignment to April 26.”

Arraignment of foster father accused of sexual assault pushed to April

[KRDO 3/15/21 by Shelby Filangi]

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