PEORIA, Ariz. — The Phoenix Suns fan known as "Mr. ORNG" was taken into custody Tuesday in Peoria for alleged sex crimes, the city's police department said.
According to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Patrick Battillo was arrested and faces multiple felony offenses. Peoria police began investigating the allegations against Battillo, a coach and volunteer at Peoria High School, on the morning of April 9 after the school's administrators contacted them.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: El popular fanático de los Suns 'Mr. ORNG' es acusado de ofrecer dinero por fotografías explícitas de estudiantes
Battillo was arrested for allegedly soliciting sexual photos and videos from students in exchange for money, Peoria police said.
“We send our kids to school all the time and we want them to be safe," Officer Kristopher Babros with Peoria police said, "they're spending hours a day with these teachers who are in positions of trust."
Court records show a male student alleged Battillo messaged him on Snapchat asking if he was willing to sell videos and photos of himself. The juvenile told investigators that Battillo indicated he knew of a woman who would be interested in looking at explicit images of the teen.
The student suspected the unknown woman wasn't real and had been concocted by Battillo, court records show. The teen further alleged that Battillo tried convincing him to send explicit videos of him and his juvenile girlfriend.
Another student reported Battillo had also asked them for videos of him and his girlfriend.
Authorities also said students reported Battillo to another teacher, identified as 46-year-old Holly Holgate, who did not immediately report it but instead told Battillo.
“She ended up telling Patrick about us being involved with the investigation while our detectives were at the school doing interviews, allowing Patrick to leave the school and get off campus," Babros said.
Battillo was later detained in Goodyear without incident.
Police also arrested Holgate for allegedly hindering prosecution and failing to report child abuse.
Battillo is facing felony charges of luring a minor for sexual exploitation and child sex trafficking, police said.
In the past, Battillo was often seen at Suns games dressed in orange attire. His fandom of the basketball team was known across the Valley. He is also the basketball coach for the Peoria High School boys team.
The Peoria Unified School District released the following statement about the incident:
We are aware that two trusted members of our Peoria High School community were arrested last night. We are working to ensure that those who may have been victimized receive the space and care they need, and we are cooperating with Peoria Police Department on their investigation.
Patrick Battillo was the varsity basketball coach and volunteer, but yesterday we were made aware that he may have committed sex crimes involving children. As soon as we became aware of the allegations, we contacted the Peoria Police Department, the Arizona Department of Education and have filed a report with the Department of Child Safety.
Dr. Battillo began coaching basketball in 2019 and completed a fingerprint and background check clearance. Until now, no reports of misconduct have been brought to our attention from parents, students or community members. Peoria Police also arrested Holly Holgate, one of our teachers, for hindering prosecution and failure to report child abuse and neglect. She has been with Peoria High School since 2000 and had an up-to-date fingerprint clearance card.
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