7 April 25th-MAy 1st, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | for ejaculation,” a court document said. Battillo was just as explicit in his photo requests during text threads with the student, according to the probable cause statement. “I want you fuckingggg and exploding a big cummmmmmmmmm all overrrrr,” Battillo allegedly told the student. Police: ‘Coach Pat’ asked for nudes from players Court documents also included an interview with another 15-year-old student. The teen claimed Battillo reached out to him on Snapchat after the student posted a selfie. “You know what you’re doing,” Battillo allegedly wrote. The next day, Battillo clarified: “Bulge.” The teen said Battillo later asked for videos of the student having sex with his girlfriend. According to court records, Peoria police arrested Battillo April 9 while he was driving his Honda Accord. Battillo initially agreed to speak to police, but when a police officer asked him about his involvement with students, Battillo declined to answer. A press release issued by the Peoria Unified School District said Battillo has been the boys basketball coach at the school since 2019. It also stated that Battillo had completed a fingerprint and background check. “Until now, no reports of misconduct have been brought to our attention from parents, students or community members,” the school district said. In 2023, Battillo coached the Peoria Panthers to the Arizona 4A high school boys basketball championship, according to the Arizona Republic. As Mr. ORNG, Battillo is beloved by Suns fans. He appeared at games dressed from head to toe in flashy orange attire, with his skin painted orange and spiked, fake orange hair on his head. Battillo’s LinkedIn profile states that he has been “self-employed” as Mr. ORNG since 2008. In 2021, Phoenix New Times included him in a list of Suns super fans. In 2012, he told New Times about his taste in music, which included R. Kelly and Michael Jackson. In October, Battillo dropped the body paint and debuted a new look for Suns games that included face masks. In a videotaped interview online for the Courier News in Somerville, New Jersey, Battillo, in full orange regalia, explained that he does not work for the Suns organization and that he always paid for his game tickets and his airline travel to attend away games. “I love what I do. I love giving back to the community. I love seeing the smile on people’s faces when I meet them out in public or at the games or just on the streets or coaching,” Battillo told My Central Jersey in 2022. Battillo hired himself out for personal- ized video messages on Cameo. In his pitch video, attired as Mr. ORNG, Battillo said he was available “for any shoutouts, birthdays, anything you need, especially my Suns fans.” Battilla charged $45 for the service and received at least four orders, according to the website. Teacher charged for failing to report student complaints Peoria police also arrested Peoria High School teacher Holly Jean Holgate in connection with the case. Holgate, 46, faces charges of hindering prosecution and failing to report the abuse or neglect of a minor. Court records state that during the school day on April 9, the four teens informed Holgate of Battillo’s behavior, playing a recorded conversation between Battillo and one boy. Holgate allegedly sent two of the students to the front office and the other two back to class. She then walked to Battillo’s class and informed him of the students’ accusations, after which Battillo left the school, according to court records. Holgate, a full time employee, worked at the school since 2000. Battillo was not an employee at the school but received a stipend for coaching. Holgate and Battillo were placed on leave pending the outcome of their crim- inal cases, the school district said. Jailhouse Blues from p 5 Peoria police arrested Holly Holgate (left), a teacher at Peoria High School, for allegedly telling Patrick Battillo (right) about the accusations that he solicited nude photos from students. Battillo is accused of soliciting photos from four players on the Peoria High School boys basketball team he coached. (Photos courtesy of Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office)
