Maple Hill man arrested at his home on sexual abuse, assault charges

Monday, Sept. 26, 2011, 4:15 p.m. — A Maple Hill man was arrested on charges of sexual abuse and assault of a child at his home at 12:20 p.m. Monday by members of the Nelson County Special Response Team.

Dan E. Atwell, 37, of Bardstown, was arrested at his Bartley Avenue home following his indictment on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011, on charges of three counts of first-degree sexual abuse and fourth-degree assault (child abuse).

Police received information that Atwell allegedly had completed his own funeral arrangements, and that he was armed and determined to resist if police attempted to arrest him.

Members of the county’s Special Response Team conducted surveillance of Atwell’s home to determine if other family members were present. Police determined he was alone, and attempted unsuccessfully to talk him out of the home. Officers entered the residence and arrested Atwell. He was lodged in the Nelson County Jail. In addition to three counts of first-degree sexual abuse and one count of fourth-degree assault (child abuse), Atwell was also charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

The investigation by Barsdtown Police is continuing. Anyone with information on these crimes is asked to call police at (502) 348-6811.

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