A former Palo Verde High School teacher and coach accused of sexually abusing multiple children has made a guilty plea.

Michael “Luke” Atwell , 73, admitted to one count each of sexual assault of a child under 14 and lewdness with a child under 14. The sexual assault charge carries a 35-year minimum prison sentence, according to Jess Marchese, his defense attorney. It’s not clear which victims were named in the counts to which he pleaded guilty.

“He’s going to die in prison,” Marchese said.

Atwell pleaded guilty Wednesday. He had been charged with sexually abusing four children, but Chief Deputy District Attorney Peter Thunell has said there were additional victims whose allegations could not be pursued due to the statute of limitations.

The prosecutor said everyone was pleased with th

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