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.
-
LVMPD: Coach arrested on sex crimes charges, additional victims possible
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrested 29-year-old Gregory Chatman on two charges of sexual assault with a child under the age of 14 and lewdness with a child under the age of 14.
Trial date set for suspect accused of fatally shooting woman and toddler
Ziaire Ham is accused of shooting and killing 20-year-old Danaijha Robinson and 1-year-old Nhalani Hiner in a south valley neighborhood on Monday, March 2.
Las Vegas man arrested for wife's 2006 death dies ahead of court appearance
We're learning the Las Vegas man accused of killing his wife 20 years ago has died before his first appearance in court David Vander Meer, 49, was arrested on Monday for murder and insurance fraud charges for the death of Bernadette Vander Meer. She died after falling from Angels Landing in Zion National Park in August 2006. During court Thursday morning, it was confirmed that the defendant was deceased.
FULL COURT HEARING: Las Vegas man arrested for wife's 2006 death dies ahead of court appearance, attorney says
David Vander Meer was facing murder and insurance fraud charges for the death of Bernadette Vander Meer. She died after falling from Angels Landing in Zion National Park in August 2006.
