EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) – Former Palmer Ridge High School head wrestling coach Michael Shane Vassar is in the El Paso County jail, facing one charge of sexual assault on a child by one 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 37-year-old Michael Vassar, 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 Sept. 24 and charged with sexual assault on a child by one 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 student victim from Palmer Ridge High School.

The student reported that Vassar provided massages and once entered a sauna before allegedly touching the student inappropriately.

EPSO says detectives learned that Vassar has been associated with Crunch Fitness on 1801 South Academy Blvd. and Unbreakable Ministries Gym on 124 Delaware Drive, private sporting and athletic clubs in the Pikes Peak area, and has offered personal training services online.

EPSO says Vassar is currently being held and his bond amount will be decided after his advisement with a judge. He is scheduled to appear virtually in court for a status conference hearing on Friday, Sept. 25, at 10:00 a.m.

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

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or who believes they may have been victimized is urged 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 with the boys and girls wrestling program at Palmer Ridge High School. According to police records, Michael Vassar is being charged with sexual assault on a minor. Under state law, Mr. Vassar is innocent until proven guilty.

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

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. Because this involves 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 he was hired.

The safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority. We appreciate when students and families bring concerns forward, and we take every report seriously. Because we support collaboration with our law enforcement partners, if anyone has any information that might help with the investigation, you can contact the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 719-520-7777.

We realize 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 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.

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