Former Palmer Ridge Wrestling Coach Arrested on Child Sexual Assault Charges

Key points

• Michael Vassar, 37, was arrested on September 24, 2026, and charged with one count of sexual assault of a child by one in a position of trust.
• The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) initiated the investigation on May 20, 2026, following a tip about a possible sexual assault involving an adult in a position of trust.
• Vassar served as the head wrestling coach for both boys and girls at Palmer Ridge High School from December 1, 2025, to May 12, 2026, before resigning.
• Investigators believe there may be additional victims, as Vassar also offered personal training services at Crunch Fitness, Unbreakable Ministries Gym, and other private athletic clubs in the Pikes Peak region.
• Lewis-Palmer School District 38 confirmed that staff learned of the allegations after Vassar had resigned and that they reported the incident to the Department of Human Services.
• Vassar is currently being held in the El Paso County jail on a no-bond hold, with a virtual advisement hearing scheduled for September 25 and a first court appearance on October 1, 2026.

Background

This case follows a pattern of high-profile arrests of youth sports coaches and officials on child sex crime charges in 2026. In September 2026, a California high school football coach was arrested for recording students in the locker room, and in August 2026, a Palm Beach County clerk was arrested on multiple child sex abuse charges. Additionally, in September 2026, a suspect was arrested in Mountlake Terrace for a string of sexually motivated assaults near a high school, and in September 2026, a San Benito High School District canceled a football season amid an investigation involving multiple program members. These incidents highlight ongoing concerns about safety and oversight in youth athletics.

How outlets are covering it

All three sources (KRDO, Colorado Springs Gazette, and KKTV) agree on the core facts: Vassar’s arrest, the specific charge, the timeline of his coaching tenure, and the EPSO’s belief that there may be additional victims. The Colorado Springs Gazette provides the most detailed account of the district’s response, including a direct quote from D-38 communications director Amy Matisek, emphasizing that the district followed standard hiring procedures and reported the incident to the Department of Human Services. KRDO and KKTV focus more on the EPSO’s investigation and the public appeal for information, highlighting Vassar’s associations with local gyms and private clubs. The Gazette also notes the specific dates of Vassar’s coaching tenure (Dec. 1, 2025, to May 12, 2026), while KRDO and KKTV provide less precise dates. All sources emphasize the importance of contacting the EPSO tip line if anyone has information or believes they have been victimized.

Why it matters

This case raises serious concerns about the safety of student-athletes and the effectiveness of background checks and oversight in youth sports. The fact that Vassar was also offering personal training services outside of school suggests that the abuse may have extended beyond the school environment, potentially affecting a wider group of individuals. The district’s response, while stating that they followed standard hiring procedures, may face scrutiny over whether those procedures were adequate to prevent such an incident. The EPSO’s public appeal for information is crucial in identifying potential additional victims and ensuring that all individuals who may have been harmed are aware of the investigation. This case underscores the need for robust safety protocols and transparent communication in schools and athletic programs to protect young athletes from abuse.

What to watch

Michael Vassar is scheduled to appear in court virtually on September 25, 2026, for an advisement hearing, with his first in-person court appearance set for October 1, 2026. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking information from the public and is urging anyone who may have been victimized or has information to contact their tip line at 719-520-7777. Lewis-Palmer School District 38 is expected to continue its internal review and may provide further updates as the investigation progresses. The case will likely draw attention to the district’s hiring and oversight procedures, and there may be calls for increased scrutiny of background checks and safety protocols in youth sports programs. The outcome of the investigation and the court proceedings will be closely watched by the community and may lead to changes in policies and practices to prevent similar incidents in the future.