LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A 73-year-old former volunteer coach at Palo Verde High School will spend the rest of his life behind bars after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a child under 14 years old.
Michael Atwell was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 35 years on Friday by Clark County District Court Judge Eric Johnson. The sentencing followed Atwell's guilty plea in August to charges of lewdness and sexual assault of a child under 14.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police arrested Atwell in November 2024 after receiving a report of sexual assault.
As part of his sentencing agreement, Atwell must pay approximately $7,700 in restitution to the victim and a victim's crime fund. He is also required to register as a sex offender.
The Clark County School District fired Atwell following his arrest. At the time, Palo Verde principal Lisa Schumacher said Atwell's charges were not related to his role at the school.
-
What to know about the first week of the trial in the killing of Tupac Shakur
In the first week of testimony at the trial of a man accused of orchestrating the killing of Tupac Shakur, the night of Sept. 7, 1996, has been run and rerun many times.
Jurors hear 'Keefe D' say his nephew fired fatal shots at Tupac in 1996 drive-by
It was the first time Davis directly discussed his involvement in the killing with authorities. The interview is essential evidence in the state's case against the 63-year-old Davis.
Las Vegas nonprofit founder jailed on $200K bond for sex crimes charges
Hope for Prisoners founder Jon Ponder was in court Thursday morning to answer for at least 20 charges related to allegations that he sexually abused inmates. Mary Kielar reports the latest from inside the courtroom.
Las Vegas nonprofit founder jailed on $200K bail for sex crimes charges
Jon Ponder, the founder of Hope for Prisoners, was in court Thursday to answer for at least 20 new charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of incarcerated people.
