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 informed of a possible sexual assault involving an adult in a position of trust and a minor. After an investigation, EPSO says it determined that Michael Vassar, 37, a former athletic coach 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 on September 24 and charged with sexual assault of a child by a trusted official, according to EPSO. According to arrest documents obtained by KRDO 13, investigators discovered more than 6,000 text messages between Vassar and the victimized Palmer Ridge High School student. The student reported that Vassar provided him with massages and once entered a sauna before allegedly touching him inappropriately. EPSO says detectives discovered Vassar has been associated with Crunch Fitness at 1801 South Academy Blvd. and Unbreakable Ministries Gym at 124 Delaware Drive, private fitness clubs in the Pikes Peak area, and has offered online personal training services. EPSO says Vassar is currently in custody and his bail amount will be decided after consultation with a judge. He is scheduled to appear virtually in court for a status conference hearing on Friday, September 25 at 10:00 am. A case was filed in district court against Vassar on Tuesday, September 22. Anyone with information about 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 law enforcement partners with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office have notified us of the arrest of a former coach of the boys and girls wrestling program at Palmer Ridge High School. 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. The staff learned of the allegations involving a student-athlete after Mr. Vassar resigned. Administrators investigated the incident thoroughly and reported it to the Department of Human Services. Because this involves a student and a former employee, we are unable to 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 he was hired. The safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority. We appreciate students and families raising concerns and we take every report seriously. Because we support collaboration with our law enforcement partners, if anyone has any information that could assist with the investigation, they are asked to contact the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 719-520-7777. We know it is concerning to receive news of this nature, however, we are committed to transparent communication 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 fully cooperate with authorities to ensure they have all the information necessary for this investigation. We strongly condemn this behavior and urge any other victims to contact authorities immediately. Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.
