The defendant in a sexual misconduct case involving a minor, who was previously a high school basketball coach, gave his testimony during his trial. The trial, which began this week, highlights how the accused was the predecessor to the recent arrest of Peoria High School coach known among Phoenix Suns fans as “Mr. ORNG.”

Mr. ORNG, whose real name is Patrick Battillo, was recently indicted by a grand jury on multiple charges. His predecessor, William Roberts, 46, is facing six charges of engaging in sexual activity with a minor. A grand jury indicted Roberts in July 2022, however the allegations against Roberts date back to incidents that reportedly occurred from 2006 to 2007, and also from 2011 to 2013.

During questioning, Roberts’ lawyer, Kristen Curry, asked Roberts, “Did you lead her to the couch in the living room when [redacted] was asleep on the bed?” Roberts denied that occurred.

According to Robert’s probable cause statement, both female victims were minors when Roberts allegedly had sex with them. The alleged sexual encounters occurred prior to Roberts becoming the head basketball coach at Peoria High School.

In 2011, Roberts founded ‘Team M’phasis,’ a nonprofit organization of three basketball teams in Peoria intended to coach and mentor youth.

In the court questioning, a relative of one of the victims took the stand and answered questions as to why the victim would stay the night at Robert’s residence. Reportedly the reason was the victim would “clean his apartment.”

Roberts assumed the role of head basketball coach at Peoria High during the 2015-16 season. However, he was put on administrative leave in December 2019 after an internal investigation and ultimately decided to step down in May 2020.

Battillo was a member of Roberts’ coaching team and showed interest in the position of interim head coach when it became available. The enthusiastic ‘Mr. ORNG’ eventually became the leader of the team for a period of five years.

Now, Battillo has been charged with four counts of trying to sexually exploit a minor.

In April, Peoria Police authorities stated that Battillo had made attempts to persuade a 15-year-old boy to engage in sexual acts in exchange for money. According to court records, Battillo sent messages through Snapchat, providing instructions for the alleged acts. Two other underage students also reported that Battillo had made inappropriate sexual remarks to them through Snapchat.

The two individuals involved in the cases are not connected.

The court has scheduled Battillo’s next appearance for April 24, while Roberts’ trial will resume on April 23.