By Brent Ruffner
Mail | X: @AzNewsmedia

Peoria High School varsity boys basketball coach Patrick Battillo was arrested Tuesday on charges he solicited videos and photographs from juveniles engaged in various sex acts, Peoria Police said in a press release.

Battillo, a Goodyear resident known for revving up the crowd as Mr. ORNG during Phoenix Suns games, started as interim varsity boys basketball coach midway through the 2019-20 season.

“...After speaking with the parties involved, it was learned that Patrick (Battillo) had been asking juvenile victims to send videos and photographs of themselves in various sex acts and in various states of nudity,” the press release stated. “(Battillo) would tell the victims that he would send them money for these photos/videos.”

He is charged with felony crimes that include luring a minor for sexual exploitation and child sex trafficking, the press release stated.

Another employee and teacher, Holly Holgate, was also arrested on charges of hindering prosecution and failing to report child abuse or neglect after she “notified Battillo of the allegations and that police were involved” while detectives were at the school, the press release stated.

“Because of her actions, (Battillo) left the school prior to detectives being able to contact him,” the press release stated.

Battillo was a volunteer in Holgate’s class, according to the press release.

“We are aware that two trusted members of our Peoria High School community were arrested last night,” Peoria Unified School District officials wrote in a statement. “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.”

School officials contacted the Peoria Police Department, the Arizona Department of Education and have filed a report with the Department of Child Safety, according to the statement.

Battillo began coaching basketball in 2019 while Holgate had been with Peoria High School since 2000, the statement read.

“...The safety and well-being of our students is paramount,” the statement read. “Should a student need someone to talk to about what they are feeling, we will have our social worker and members of our counseling team available. The Peoria Police Department is encouraging those with information in this case to reach out to them through the tip phone line: 623-773-7045 or via e-mail: PDTips@peoriaaz.gov.”

Brent Ruffner
Lead News Reporter | Phoenix

BRuffner@iniusa.org

Meet Brent

Brent Ruffner joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2021 where he writes about developments at TSMC and Maricopa County issues, including election topics.

He's written about stories that range from accusations that a Mesa monkey breeding facility is unsafe to what to do if you encounter a rattlesnake in the desert.

Community:  He is a supporter of the American Cancer Society.

 Education: Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Arizona State University, May 2007.

Random Fact: He met former San Francisco Giants outfielder Willie Mays at a Phoenix Firebird game after winning a contest for an autographed baseball. 

Hobbies: Hiking in the woods and collecting sports memorabilia.