Patrick Battillo, better known as Phoenix Suns superfan Mr. ORNG has been arrested in Peoria and is facing charges for multiple child sex crimes.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Battillo has been attending Suns’ games for 14 years dressed in all orange and was easily the most recognizable Suns’ fan by what he wore.
He also coaches the Peoria High School boys basketball team.
A full statement from the Peoria Police Department with details into Battillo’s arrest:
“On April 9, 2024, at approximately 10:00 AM., Peoria Police were made aware of a sexual offense investigation pertaining to an employee who works at Peoria High School (11200 N. 83rd Avenue). Peoria High School Administrators contacted the assigned School Resource Officer after learning an employee had possibly solicited several inappropriate images/videos from juvenile students in exchange for money. The employee was identified as 37-year-old Patrick Battillo.
Peoria H.E.A.T. Detectives were notified and quickly initiated an investigation. After speaking with the parties involved, it was learned that Patrick had been asking juvenile victims to send videos and photographs of themselves in various sex acts and in various states of nudity. Patrick would tell the victims that he would send them money for these photos/videos. Patrick is the head Boys High School Basketball Coach and a volunteer at the school. Patrick was arrested by Peoria detectives without incident in Goodyear. Patrick was transported to the Peoria Police Department, processed, and later booked into the Maricopa County Jail on several felony charges which include Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation and Child Sex Trafficking.
During this investigation while detectives were on scene, another employee notified Patrick of the allegations and that police were involved. This employee was identified as 46-year-old Holly Holgate. Holly is a teacher at the school and Patrick volunteers in her class. Because of her actions, Patrick left the school prior to detectives being able to contact him. Holly was arrested without incident on site for Hindering Prosecution and failing to report Child Abuse or Neglect. She was also processed at the Peoria Police Department and later booked into the Maricopa County Jail.
We would like to thank the victims in this case for coming forward, and we encourage all parents, guardians, and caretakers to discuss situations like this with their children.”
On Friday, April 5, Burn City Sports spoke to, interviewed and began working on a feature story on Battillo’s journey as Mr. ORNG before this latest news was announced and released.
Stay tuned for more details when they are released.
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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
