“The convictions of Mr. Steve Marler…fundamentally violate the ideals, morals, and ethics embodied in the award.”





wyoming governor mark gordon




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

*Governor Gordon Asks for Removal of National Adoption Award After Felony Conviction*

"“The convictions of Mr. Steve Marler…fundamentally violate the ideals, morals, and ethics embodied in the award.”"

*CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Dec. 29, 2025* - Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) announces today his support for rescinding a 2014 National Adoption Excellence Award granted to Steve and Kristine Marler of Casper.  Steve Marler was convicted in 2025 of 11 counts of child abuse of minors, five counts of misdemeanor battery and one count of child endangerment. He was also sentenced to a minimum of 128 years on eight felony counts for sexually abusing two girls under his foster or adoptive care and for sexual abuse and battery of foster children.

After receiving a request from a concerned citizen, the Governor took the steps to write aletter in support of the rescinding of this award [ [link removed] ]. 

"“I agree with Ms. Kassel’s concerns and believe the events and conviction are inconsistent with the principles and standards upon which the Children’s Bureau National Adoption Excellence Award is founded,” the Governor said in his letter of support. “The National Adoption Excellence Award exists to recognize individuals and organizations who demonstrate exceptional efforts towards permanency for children in foster care. The convictions of Mr. Steve Marler - including multiple counts of child abuse, batter, endangerment, and sexual abuse of children under his foster and adoptive care - fundamentally violate the ideals, morals, and ethics embodied in the award and challenges the credibility of the program that honors those exemplifying excellence in child welfare."”

The decision is now in the hands of the Federal agency. 

*For more information: *

Amy Edmonds, Communications Director, [email protected] 

Janelle Collins, Strategic Communications Director, [email protected] 

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 Wyoming Seal [ [link removed] ]

   



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