Colorado Teacher Arrested on 50 Criminal Counts
Colorado authorities have arrested Patricio Alejandro Illanes, a former teacher with access to children across multiple schools and youth-serving organizations over approximately 15 years, in connection with allegations of child sexual exploitation.
Illanes, 39, was arrested on January 5, 2026, by the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office following a months-long investigation. Prosecutors have filed 50 criminal counts, including 40 felony charges related to the sexual exploitation of children and 10 misdemeanor counts of unlawful practice of an occupation or profession.
Authorities have stated they believe additional victims may exist.
9News Update: Ramos Law Attorney Aaron Hogan Provides Legal Insight
In a recent 9NEWS investigative report, Ramos Law Attorney Aaron Hogan provided critical legal insight into the disturbing allegations surrounding a former Colorado teacher now facing 50 counts of child sexual exploitation.
Representing the family of one of the boys filmed at Erie Middle School, Ms. Hogan addressed the systemic failures that allowed the educator to remain in a classroom setting despite prior substantiated allegations. During the interview, Hogan voiced the frustration felt by many families, noting that just because criminal charges weren’t filed during the initial 2023 incident, “certainly doesn’t mean that criminal conduct didn’t occur.”
Hogan further criticized the lack of transparency between school districts, stating that confidential resignation agreements and the failure to flag teaching licenses are “extremely concerning” and essentially provide offenders the opportunity to continue harming children.
At Ramos Law, our legal team is committed to uncovering the truth and holding educational institutions accountable for their students’ safety.
Parents or guardians
Locations Where Illanes Was Known to Have Access to Students
According to publicly available employment and affiliation records reviewed by investigators, Patricio Alejandro Illanes held roles between 2010 and 2025 that involved professional or supervised access to minors in educational, youth services, or library settings. Authorities have not stated that alleged conduct occurred at all or any of the locations listed below.
The following positions and affiliations have been identified:
- 2010 to 2015: City of Longmont Children and Youth Services, Longmont, Colorado
- 2013 to 2025: TGTHR (formerly Attention Homes), Boulder and Longmont, Colorado
- 2013 to 2017: New Meridian Alternative High School (formerly Olde Columbine), Longmont, Colorado
- 2015 to 2021: Longmont Library, Children and Teens Section, Longmont, Colorado
- 2017 to 2019: Centaurus High School, Lafayette, Colorado
- 2019 to 2020: Mapleton School District, intern, Denver, Colorado
- 2019 to 2023: Erie Middle School, Erie, Colorado
- 2019 to 2023: Erie High School, Erie, Colorado
- 2024 to 2025: Arvada Senior High School, Arvada, Colorado
Illanes was placed on administrative leave on October 14, 2025, after BCSO notified Arvada Senior High School of the investigation. He was terminated on December 18, 2025, according to reporting.
Parents or guardians
Ongoing Investigation of Illanes
The investigation began in September 2025, after the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office received three CyberTips from Meta, Inc. According to BCSO, the reported account, later confirmed to be owned and operated by Illanes, was flagged for creating and selling sexually explicit content.
The investigation into Patricio Alejandro Illanes was conducted by investigators with the Boulder County Digital Forensics Lab and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. As part of the investigation, law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant for Illanes’ personal electronic devices.
Multiple local, state, and federal agencies assisted with the investigation.
Assisting Law Enforcement Agencies and Case Numbers
- Boulder County Sheriff’s Office: Case Number: 25-04788
- Arvada Police Department: Case Number: Not publicly released
- Erie Police Department: Case Number: 26-004
- Lafayette Police Department: Case Number: Not publicly released
- Longmont Department of Public Safety: Case Number: Not publicly released
- Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon: Case Number: 25-60097
- Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon: Case Number: 50-25-15952
- Hinckley Police Department, Ohio: Case Number: 05-25000307
- Federal Bureau of Investigation: Case Number: 305G-DN-4154502
Authorities have also confirmed that a separate investigation remains ongoing involving another adult identified as a person of interest. No additional details regarding that investigation have been released at this time.
Evidence Cited By Law Enforcement
According to BCSO press releases and reporting by local media, a forensic search of Illanes’ personal cell phone allegedly revealed:
- Thousands of images and hundreds of videos depicting apparent juveniles engaged in sexually explicit conduct
- Content shared through end-to-end encrypted messaging applications and paid subscription-based pornography platforms
- Videos in which juveniles were allegedly instructed to “perform a script” in front of a green screen while mimicking a hypnotic or trance-like state
- Edited imagery created for sexual gratification
- Additional photographs described as “hypnosis-like,” some of which appeared to depict clothed students in a school setting
Authorities have stated that at least 16 minors were targeted, with victims ranging in age from 12 to 17. Investigators have identified and interviewed four out-of-state victims to date.
Some of the alleged incidents reportedly occurred at multiple schools, while others allegedly occurred at Illanes’ residence.
What Charges Is Illanes Facing?
According to court filings in Boulder County, prosecutors have charged Patricio Alejandro Illanes with 50 total criminal counts related to the sexual exploitation of children. The charges include 40 felony counts and 10 misdemeanor counts, specifically:
Felony Charges
- 10 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child – Creation of Material
C.R.S. 18-6-403(1)(a), Class 3 Felony - 10 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child – Publishing, Selling, or Distributing Material
C.R.S. 18-6-403(1)(b), Class 3 Felony - 10 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child – Possession With Intent to Distribute
C.R.S. 18-6-403(1)(c), Class 3 Felony - 10 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child – Producing a Performance
C.R.S. 18-6-403(1)(d), Class 3 Felony
Misdemeanor Charges
- 10 counts of Unlawful Practice of an Occupation or Profession
C.R.S. 12-20-407(1)(a)(V)(N), Class 2 Misdemeanor
Court records indicate the charges stem from allegations involving the creation, possession, distribution, and production of sexually explicit material involving minors. Additional details may be addressed as the case proceeds through the judicial process.
Illanes Publicly Reported Survivor Account
One individual has publicly discussed his experience involving Illanes.
According to CBS Colorado, Diego Pantojas, a North Carolina resident, stated that he was 16 years old in 2022 when he joined online communities focused on hypnosis. He reported entering conversations with a man he later learned was allegedly Illanes.
Pantojas stated that the individual requested personal information, sent sexually explicit messages, and encouraged him to do the same. He also alleged that Illanes shared images depicting other minors in hypnosis-like states.
Pantojas reported being contacted in fall 2025 by Detective Sophie Bergman of the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office after investigators identified his images during their review of materials allegedly in Illanes’ possession.
Unresolved Questions About Illanes Employment Transitions
Investigative reporting by 9NEWS has raised questions regarding how Illanes transitioned between school districts following internal concerns.
Illanes worked for Erie Middle School and Erie High School from 2019 to 2023 in the St. Vrain Valley School District. In fall 2023, administrators became aware of allegations involving filming students and inappropriate contact.
According to documents obtained by 9NEWS:
- Some allegations were substantiated
- Administrators could not reach conclusions on certain claims due to lack of access to raw footage
- A district administrator recommended that Illanes not return to any school in the district
Illanes entered into a separation agreement in December 2023 that ended his employment, barred future work in the district, and included confidentiality provisions.
In 2024, Illanes was hired by Jeffco Public Schools as an English teacher at Arvada Senior High School. Authorities have reported conflicting accounts regarding whether information about the prior investigation was shared between districts.
Patricio Alejandro Illanes Teaching License Status
Public records from the Colorado Department of Education indicate that Illanes currently holds an active Colorado teaching license with an endorsement in English Language Arts for grades 6 through 12.
The license became effective on May 17, 2022, and is set to expire on May 17, 2029. Prior credentials include an Initial Teacher License and a Substitute authorization, both of which are expired.
What Parents and Community Members Should Know and How to Report Concerns
Law enforcement officials have stated they believe additional victims may exist and are encouraging anyone with relevant information to come forward. Authorities have emphasized the importance of parents and guardians speaking with their children and reporting concerns, even if they are unsure whether misconduct occurred.
Detective Sophie Bergman of the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office told CBS that she continues to seek additional victims and encourages parents to talk with their children and report any information that may assist investigators.
Anyone with information related to Patricio Alejandro Illanes is encouraged to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency based on where the suspected conduct may have occurred. Suspected online exploitation of children may also be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children CyberTipLine.
Law Enforcement Contacts by Jurisdiction
If you or your child may have been affected, please contact the law enforcement agency listed below:
- Arvada Police Department: Call dispatch at 303-980-7300
- Boulder County Sheriff’s Office: For incidents in unincorporated Boulder County, Lyons, Nederland, or Superior
Contact Detective Sophie Berman at 720-564-2678 - Boulder Police Department: Call the Boulder Police Tip Line at 303-441-1974
Please provide a way for an investigator to return your call - Erie Police Department: Call 303-441-4444, press 2 for the Erie Police Department
Please reference Case Report Number 26-004 - Lafayette Police Department: Contact Detective Anna Curran at 303-604-3504, Email: anna.curran@lafayetteco.gov
- Longmont Department of Public Safety: Contact Sergeant Todd Chambers at 303-651-8521
Contact Us
If You Believe Your Child May Have Been a Victim
Frequently Asked Questions for Parents and Community Members
What should I do if I believe my child may have been affected?
If you believe your child may have been affected by Patricio Alejandro Illanes, you are encouraged to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency as soon as possible. Reporting concerns helps investigators identify potential victims and ensure child safety.
You may also contact Ramos Law for a confidential consultation to discuss your situation, understand your options, and receive guidance on next steps. Speaking with an attorney does not replace contacting law enforcement and does not obligate you to take legal action.
If my child attended one of the schools during the time Illanes was present, how should I talk to my child about it?
If your child attended a school or program during the timeframe Illanes was present, experts generally recommend approaching the conversation calmly and without assumptions.
Some general guidance includes:
- Choose a quiet, private setting where your child feels safe
- Ask open-ended questions rather than leading ones
- Let your child speak at their own pace
- Avoid expressing shock, anger, or disbelief during the conversation
- Reassure your child that they are not in trouble and that they can talk to you
If your child shares something concerning, document what they say in their own words and contact law enforcement.
What are the steps I should take if my family has been affected?
While each situation is different, common steps include:
- Contact the appropriate law enforcement agency based on where the suspected conduct may have occurred
- Preserve any relevant communications, messages, or digital evidence without altering them
- Avoid confronting the accused directly
- Seek professional guidance, which may include law enforcement, legal counsel, or counseling resources
- Consider speaking with a qualified attorney to understand legal options and protections
Should I contact law enforcement even if I am unsure?
Yes. Law enforcement has stated they believe additional victims may exist. Reporting concerns does not require certainty. Investigators are trained to assess information and determine appropriate next steps.
If you are unsure which agency to contact, you may begin with your local police department, who can help route the report appropriately.
What if the suspected contact happened online or outside Colorado?
Law enforcement involved in this investigation includes agencies across multiple states and federal authorities. Online conduct and out-of-state incidents can still be reported and investigated.
You may also report suspected online exploitation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children CyberTipLine.
Does contacting Ramos Law mean I am filing a lawsuit?
No. A consultation is an opportunity to ask questions and receive information. It does not require you to pursue legal action and does not replace contacting law enforcement.
What if my child does not want to talk right now?
That is not uncommon. Some children need time before they feel ready to speak. Continue to provide reassurance, maintain open communication, and seek guidance from professionals if needed.
If you have concerns about immediate safety, contact law enforcement.
Are there resources available if my child needs additional support?
Yes. Families may consider counseling or mental health resources that specialize in working with children and adolescents. Law enforcement agencies and victim advocacy organizations can often provide referrals.