A former Colorado educator with more than a decade of access to children is now at the center of a major criminal investigation that has alarmed parents and school officials across the state. Authorities say the case involves a long-running pattern of alleged misconduct targeting minors and raises serious questions about student safety and online exploitation.
Patricio Illanes, 39, was arrested Monday and is facing 50 felony charges tied to the exploitation of children, according to the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators say Illanes worked with students for roughly 15 years at several Colorado schools and youth programs, including high schools and at least one middle school.
Detective Sophie Berman with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office said Illanes allegedly used a deception involving staged hypnosis sessions to manipulate young victims. Authorities allege juveniles were instructed to follow scripts in front of a green screen while pretending to be in a trance-like state. Investigators say Illanes recorded these sessions and later altered the footage for personal use.
So far, law enforcement has identified 16 victims, with investigators actively searching for more. Several individuals reported that they were underage at the time of their encounters and said Illanes pressured them into inappropriate behavior during the staged sessions. Officials emphasized that the investigation remains active and continues to expand.
The case began in September 2025 after multiple tips were submitted to authorities about an online account believed to be producing and selling illegal material involving minors. Investigators traced the account to Illanes and obtained a warrant to search his cellphone. According to authorities, they uncovered numerous videos involving juveniles that had been distributed through encrypted messaging platforms and adult websites.
Investigators also found images showing students fully clothed in school settings while acting as though they were under hypnosis. Officials say these discoveries raise concerns about how long the alleged behavior may have gone undetected within educational environments.
Illanes was working at a school in Arvada at the time the investigation became known. He was placed on leave immediately after his employer was informed by law enforcement.
One alleged victim, Diego Pantojas, said he encountered Illanes online as a teenager while participating in hypnosis-related communities. He told investigators the interaction quickly crossed boundaries and left a lasting emotional impact. Years later, Pantojas was contacted by detectives and informed that his images were allegedly found among digital evidence. He said speaking publicly is difficult but hopes it encourages other victims to come forward.
Authorities confirmed a separate investigation is underway involving another adult considered a person of interest. Detectives are urging parents to speak with their children about online interactions and report any concerning contact.
Law enforcement officials stress that protecting minors requires constant vigilance from families, schools, and technology companies. They continue to ask anyone with relevant information to contact local police departments or the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office.
