Michael Shane Vassar, the former Palmer Ridge High School wrestling coach, was arrested on September 24, 2026, and charged with sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust. Investigators discovered thousands of text messages with a student victim, prompting a broader sheriff’s office investigation into potential additional victims.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation after it received an alert in May regarding the possible sexual assault of a minor by an adult in a position of trust. The inquiry into a suspected sexual assault involving a person in a position of trust officially got underway on May 20. The Special Victims Unit of the office initiated its probe after receiving a tip regarding a potential sexual assault on May 20. Detectives determined that 37-year-old Michael Vassar, who led the boys and girls wrestling teams at Palmer Ridge High School, engaged in inappropriate conduct with one or more student-athletes under his supervision.
Deputies arrested Vassar on a Thursday and booked him into the El Paso County Jail on a no-bond hold. An arrest warrant containing one count of sexual assault of a child by a person in a position of trust was filed against Vassar by investigators on Thursday. A district court case against him was filed on Tuesday, September 22, according to arrest documents obtained by local reporters.
Palmer Ridge High School Timeline and Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Response
Lewis-Palmer School District 38 confirmed that Vassar served as the head coach for both the boys and girls wrestling programs from Dec. 1, 2025 through May 12, 2026. A Friday email sent to wrestling families and school staff noted that Vassar’s tenure as head coach began in December 2025 and lasted until his resignation in May. School officials stated that they followed standard hiring procedures when bringing him onto the athletic staff.
District administrators learned of the allegations only after Vassar had already submitted his resignation. Following his departure, the district conducted an internal review and reported the findings directly to the Department of Human Services. Administrators investigated the incident thoroughly and reported it to the Department of Human Services.
“Staff learned of allegations involving a student athlete after Mr. Vassar had resigned. Administrators investigated the incident thoroughly and reported it to the Department of Human Services.”
Amy Matisek, D-38 communications director, via KKTV
School officials emphasized their commitment to student safety and urged anyone with relevant information to assist law enforcement with their inquiries. Given that this case involves a former employee and a student, further particulars regarding the allegations or the district’s review cannot be disclosed.
El Paso County Sheriff Investigation and Personal Training Associations
Investigators examining the case uncovered more than 6,000 text messages exchanged between Vassar and the student victim. The student-athlete reported that Vassar provided massages and once entered a sauna before allegedly touching the student inappropriately.
Because Vassar maintained extensive ties to local fitness facilities and athletic clubs throughout the Pikes Peak region, the sheriff’s office believes other victims may exist. Authorities noted his professional associations with Crunch Fitness, located at 1801 South Academy Blvd., and Unbreakable Ministries Gym, located at 124 Delaware Drive, alongside his online personal training services.
“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 necessary information for this investigation. We strongly condemn this behavior and urge any additional victims to contact law enforcement immediately.”
Unbreakable Ministries, via KRDO
Law enforcement officials ask anyone who believes they were victimized or who has information regarding the case to contact the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at (719) 520-7777.
