Governor Mark Gordon announced today, December 29, 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 a letter in support of rescinding the award. The letter was addressed to Marilyn Kennerson, Region 8 Manager for the Children’s Bureau Region 8 Office, which can be read in full below.
“Dear Region 8 Program Manager Kennerson,
I write to express my full support for the request submitted by Ms. Sharon Kassel to rescind the 2014 National Adoption Excellence Award granted to Steve and Kristine Marler. 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 National Adoption Excellence Award exists to recognize individuals and organizations who demonstrate exceptional efforts toward permanency for children in foster care.
The convictions of Mr. Steve Marler -including multiple counts of child abuse, battery, endangerment, and sexual abuse of children under his foster or 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.
Rescinding this award would send a clear and necessary message reaffirming that the Children’s Bureau holds the highest standards for those awarded.
On behalf of the State of Wyoming, I respectfully urge the Children’s Bureau to take appropriate action to formally rescind this award. I appreciate your thoughtful consideration of this request and your continued dedication to advancing the safety and well-being of children and families.“
The decision is now in the hands of the Federal agency.