Michael “Luke” Atwell, a former teacher and coach at Palo Verde High School, has pleaded guilty to charges of sexual assault of a child under 14 and lewdness with a child under 14. The plea carries a minimum 35-year prison sentence. Atwell, aged 73, admitted to these charges as part of a plea deal, despite the advice of his defense attorney, Jess Marchese. Atwell’s decision to plead guilty was influenced by his desire to avoid forcing the victims to testify.
The charges stem from accusations of sexual abuse involving four children, though additional allegations could not be pursued due to the statute of limitations. Atwell had been accused of abusing two more victims after initial charges were filed, and a recorded confession made it challenging to defend him.
Atwell’s arrest took place on November 19 at Palo Verde High School. The school’s principal, Lisa Schumacher, informed families of the arrest without naming Atwell or detailing the charges. Atwell’s career included teaching history, criminal justice, and social studies, as well as coaching cross country and softball. He also taught at Becker Middle School from 1999 to 2003. Prior to his teaching career, Atwell served in the military during the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, where he earned a Bronze Star.