KRDO13 Investigates: Former Palmer Ridge High School wrestling coach arrested for child sex crime

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) – Former Palmer Ridge High School head wrestling coach Michael Shane Vassar is in the El Paso County Jail facing a charge of sexual assault of a child by a person in a position of trust.

According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO), detectives were notified of a possible sexual assault involving an adult in a position of trust and a minor.

After an investigation, EPSO said it determined that Michael Vassar, 37, a former athletic trainer at Palmer Ridge High School in Lewis-Palmer School District 38, engaged in inappropriate conduct involving one or more athletes he coached.

Vassar was arrested Sept. 24 and charged with sexual assault of a child by a person in a position of trust, according to EPSO.

According to arrest documents obtained by KRDO 13, investigators discovered more than 6,000 text messages between Vassar and the Palmer Ridge High School student victim.

The student reported that Vassar gave him massages and once entered a sauna before touching him inappropriately.

EPSO says detectives learned Vassar was associated with Crunch Fitness at 1801 South Academy Blvd. and Unbreakable Ministries Gym at 124 Delaware Drive, private sports and athletic clubs in the Pikes Peak region, and offered online personal training services.

EPSO says Vassar is currently in custody and his bail amount will be decided after he is advised by a judge. He is scheduled to appear in court virtually for a status conference hearing on Friday, September 25 at 10:00 a.m.

A district court case against Vassar was filed Tuesday, September 22.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or who believes they may have been a victim is asked to contact the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office tip line at (719) 520-7777.

District 38 released the following statement:

Dear Palmer Ridge Wrestling Families,

Our partners in law enforcement and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office have informed us of the arrest of a former coach with the Palmer Ridge High School boys and girls wrestling program. According to police records, Michael Vassar is accused of sexual assault of a minor. Under state law, Mr. Vassar is innocent until proven guilty.

Mr. Vassar served as the head boys and girls wrestling coach at PRHS from December 1, 2025 to May 12, 2026. He is not a current employee of Lewis-Palmer School District 38.

Staff became aware of allegations involving a student-athlete following Mr. Vassar’s resignation. Administrators thoroughly investigated the incident and reported it to the Department of Human Services. Because this is a student and former employee, we cannot share further details about the allegations or the district’s review. Although Michael Vassar is no longer employed by D38, the district followed standard hiring procedures when hiring him.

The safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority. We appreciate when students and families share concerns, and we take each report seriously. Because we support collaboration with our law enforcement partners, if anyone has information that could assist in the investigation, you can contact the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 719-520-7777.

We recognize that it is concerning to receive news of this nature, however, we are committed to communicating transparently and prioritizing safety in our district. We thank you for your trust and support.

Unbreakable Ministries released the following statement:

Unbreakable Ministries is shocked and saddened to learn of the criminal charges and arrest of a former associate, Michael Vassar.

Our office will cooperate fully with law enforcement to ensure they have all information necessary for this investigation.

We strongly condemn this behavior and urge any additional victims to contact law enforcement immediately.

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