Former Peoria High School Coach Pleads Guilty to Child Sex Crimes

Patrick Battillo, known as Suns superfan 'Mr. Orng,' faces sentencing for soliciting explicit photos and videos from students.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:53pm

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An extreme close-up of a cracked smartphone screen reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the disturbing exploitation of minors through digital technology.The harsh, unforgiving light of a camera flash exposes the dark underbelly of digital exploitation, as a cracked screen reflects the eerie glow of a crime against the vulnerable.Phoenix Today

A former Peoria high school basketball coach, Patrick Battillo, also known as Phoenix Suns superfan 'MR ORNG,' has pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor. Battillo initially pleaded not guilty to seven counts of child sex crimes, but last month admitted to soliciting explicit photos and videos from students at the high school where he coached the boys' basketball team, acting as a 'middleman' to sell the content to an 'unknown older woman'.

Why it matters

This case highlights the disturbing reality of child sexual exploitation, even involving trusted figures in a community like a high school coach. It raises concerns about the vulnerability of young students and the need for stronger safeguards and oversight to protect minors from predatory adults in positions of authority.

The details

According to court documents, Battillo asked at least one teen boy to send him sexual photos and videos, which he would then sell to an 'unknown older woman'. Battillo is now facing a maximum sentence of 3.5 years in prison and lifetime probation for his crimes.

  • Battillo initially pleaded not guilty to seven counts of child sex crimes.
  • Last month, Battillo pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor.
  • Battillo's sentencing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026.

The players

Patrick Battillo

A former Peoria high school basketball coach who is also known as Phoenix Suns superfan 'MR ORNG'. Battillo pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor for soliciting explicit photos and videos from students.

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What’s next

Battillo faces a maximum sentence of 3.5 years in prison and lifetime probation at his sentencing hearing on Friday, April 17, 2026.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical importance of thorough background checks, ongoing monitoring, and strict accountability measures for anyone entrusted with the care and supervision of minors, especially in positions of authority like high school coaches. The safety and wellbeing of young students must be the top priority.