Casper foster parent charged with 26 felonies, including child endangerment

Former foster parent Steven Marler is facing with 26 felonies, including counts of child endangerment.

CASPER, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - Late last week, Natrona County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Steven Marler, a formally nationally recognized foster parent.

Over the years, Marler and his wife, Kristen, have fostered over 60 children at their home on Casper Mountain. Now, Steven Marler is facing with twenty felony charges of sexual abuse of a minor, as well as six misdemeanors for battery and child endangerment. Marler made an appearance virtually, in front of a packed courtroom.

The state prosecutor recommended Marler’s bond be set for $300,000, saying the foster children have continued to suffer from the trauma they experienced under his care. Marler’s lawyer said the bond was “excessive”, and asked that it be set for less than $60,000. After both arguments, the Natrona County Circuit Court judge the bond at $225,000.