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.
-
Person hospitalized after stabbing near Rainbow, Lake Mead in northwest valley
A person was hospitalized in an unknown condition after a stabbing Wednesday afternoon in the northwest valley, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Death penalty on the table for man accused of killing couple at Smith's store
The death penalty will be considered in the case of Alejandro Estrada, the man accused of killing his ex and her new husband inside a Las Vegas Smith's grocery store.
LVMPD releases 4th bodycam video of police response to Smith's shooting
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has released a fourth video showing the law enforcement response to the deadly May shooting at Smith's in Las Vegas.
Man turns himself in after LVMPD's investigation of horse's death
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department says a video posted on social media prompted an investigation into the death of a horse.
