LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A choose sentenced a former Las Vegas highschool volunteer coach to life in jail as a part of a plea settlement on sexual assault expenses.
In August, Michael “Luke” Atwell, 73, pleaded responsible to expenses of lewdness with a toddler below the age of 14 and sexual assault with a toddler, information mentioned. As a part of the plea settlement, Atwell agreed to a life sentence with the opportunity of parole after 35 years.
In court docket on Friday, Clark County District Court docket Choose Eric Johnson sentenced Atwell to the phrases of the settlement. Atwell can be nicely into his 100s ought to he nonetheless be alive on the time of his first parole listening to.
Atwell labored as a volunteer coach at Palo Verde Excessive Faculty within the west valley, and likewise labored as a constructing supervisor at a church, police mentioned after his arrest.
Police took Atwell into custody in November 2024 after an individual reported to Metro police that Atwell sexually assaulted a toddler when the kid was between the ages of 11 and 14, paperwork mentioned. The kid was recognized to Atwell and didn’t look like in his care at any college, in keeping with the report.
A number of different folks got here ahead with allegations after Atwell’s arrest, information mentioned.
Atwell served as a pilot and paratrooper within the U.S. Marines, paperwork mentioned.
Johnson additionally ordered Atwell to pay restitution to 1 sufferer and to a victims’ fund. Atwell should additionally register as a lifetime intercourse offender.
The Clark County Faculty District terminated Atwell after his arrest.
