Ex-Palo Verde teacher, coach gets life sentence for sexually abusing kids
One victim, a child when the abuse began, said he considered taking his own life.
Another, still a child, wrote to the court that she “felt uncomfortable hiding all of the secrets” and has suffered “horrific nightmares.”
A third said in a note that her abuser had been her best friend, but hurt her, making her feel “scared and worried.”
A judge ordered a life sentence Friday for the man who sexually abused them, former Palo Verde High School teacher and coach Michael “Luke” Atwell.
Atwell, 73, pleaded guilty to counts of lewdness with a child until 14 and sexual assault with a child under 14. He will be eligible for parole after 35 years, which Deputy District Attorney Morgan Lombardo said “essentially is a death sentence for Mr. Atwell.”
He admitted to sexually abusing four children, but prosecutors have said there were additional victims whose allegations could not be pursued because of the statute of limitations.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal typically does not identify victims in sexual assault cases. For that reason, the news organization is not naming the victims or relatives who spoke in court.
One victim — a teen who initiated the case by going to police with his mother — said in court that he will likely need therapy for the rest of his life.
“At times, I was so afraid of coming forward with the truth, I contemplated ending my own life just to escape this pain,” he told the judge.
Yet, he said, he has no hate for Atwell and prays Atwell “receives the help he needs.”
That victim’s mother said Atwell was “a trusted friend” and church leader who took part in family gatherings.
“His betrayal cuts deeply,” she said, tearfully. “His attack on my son and our family was not a random act. It was calculated, strategic and premeditated. He exploited the trust and the friendship that we extended to him in the worst possible way.”
She sees her son’s pain, she said, but prays Atwell eventually “finds genuine repentance” and “truly understands the harm he caused.”
District Judge Eric Johnson praised her after she spoke.
“You should take a lot of comfort in the courage that you showed and your family showed in bringing this out,” he said. “The past is the past, but you probably saved a lot in the future.”
The mother of two of the other victims said he “shattered their innocence.” Her family and other victims are “serving the real life sentence,” she said.
“You thought you were untouchable,” she told Atwell. “You hid behind being a veteran, a teacher, a man of God, a man with a degree, with money. You demanded respect while giving none to the younger people in your life, especially children.”
Atwell apologized to his family and the victims. He also lamented that his “good name” had been ruined by his “bad decision.”
“(I) certainly want to apologize to you in court for taking your time over stupid decisions that I’ve made in the past,” said Atwell, who spoke in a hoarse voice. “I’m a fairly intelligent person (who’s) done a lot of good.”
The judge took issue with Atwell’s statement.
“These weren’t stupid decisions,” he said. “They were your calculated, conscious, tragic decisions, not made out of stupidity, but for your own purposes. It’s inconceivable what you have done with your life.”
Defense attorney Jess Marchese said his client has taken responsibility.
The defense attorney told Atwell not to take the deal offered, he said, but “he didn’t want to put the victims through any more stress, emotion.”
At Palo Verde, Atwell taught history, criminal justice and social studies and coached boys cross country and girls softball. He also taught at Becker Middle School.
Before his teaching career, Atwell served in the military during the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm.
Atwell held “positions of respect,” Johnson said.
But, the judge said, “You will be remembered by everyone for the horror that you have caused these people and children and their families.”
If you’re thinking about suicide, or are worried about a friend or loved one, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting the Lifeline network at 988. Live chat is available at 988lifeline.org.
Contact Noble Brigham at nbrigham@reviewjournal.com. Follow @BrighamNoble on X.