A familiar face to Phoenix Suns fans, Patrick Battillo, better known as the enthusiastic Suns superfan “Mr. ORNG,” is now in the spotlight for disturbing charges.
Battillo, renowned for donning head-to-toe orange attire at Suns games, is facing a different kind of orange as he was arrested for alleged child sex crimes. The Valley High School coach was booked into jail on counts of luring a minor for sex exploitation and child prostitution, as per Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office records via 12News.com.
Aside from his fan persona, Battillo serves as the head coach for the Peoria High School boys’ basketball team.
Authorities began investigating Battillo on April 9th after Peoria police were notified by school administrators at Peoria High School. Allegations surfaced that Battillo had been soliciting sexual photos and videos from students in exchange for money.
Phoenix Suns Superfan Mr. ORNG Won’t Be Able To Meet His Kids After Latest Arrest
Students reportedly informed another teacher, 46-year-old Holly Holgate, who, instead of reporting the matter, informed Battillo, allowing him to leave the school before police arrived.
Battillo was later apprehended in Goodyear without incident. In light of the distressing allegations, Battillo won’t be near children for the foreseeable future. Investigations revealed that he had been asking juvenile victims to send explicit videos and photos of themselves.
In response to the incident, the Peoria Unified School District released a statement expressing concern for potential victims and their well-being:
“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 the Peoria Police Department on their investigation.”
Dr. Battillo, who began coaching basketball in 2019, had previously passed a fingerprint and background check clearance. The school district had not received any reports of misconduct until these allegations.
Holly Holgate, a teacher at Peoria High School since 2000, was also arrested for hindering prosecution and failing to report child abuse and neglect. She possessed an up-to-date fingerprint clearance card.
The situation has sent shockwaves through the community, with authorities and the school district working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of all students involved.
