Boulder County arrests former teacher in child exploitation case

Authorities arrested a former Arvada High School teacher after a digital forensics investigation found sexually explicit material involving minors on devices linked to him; officials say multiple victims have been identified and investigators are seeking additional information.

A former Arvada High School English teacher was arrested by the Boulder County Sheriff's Office on multiple charges connected to the alleged sexual exploitation of children. The county's digital forensics lab opened an investigation in September 2025 after receiving reports about an online account producing and selling sexually explicit content. Investigators say they traced the account to the former teacher and found sexually explicit material involving minors on his devices. The school placed him on administrative leave in October and later dismissed him; deputies arrested him on Monday. Key points: - The investigation began in September 2025 after reports about an online account creating and distributing sexually explicit content. - Authorities say the account was linked to Patricio Alejandro Illanes, who taught at Arvada High School and was put on leave and later fired by the school. - Investigators report sexually explicit material involving minors was found on his devices; platforms contacted by investigators removed the material and deactivated related accounts. - Deputies arrested Illanes and he now faces multiple criminal counts related to sexual exploitation and related offenses, and investigators are seeking additional information and possible victims. Summary: Multiple victims have been identified so far, including people who reported they were minors when contacted by the former teacher. Investigators continue to seek additional information from former students and coworkers; the next legal or procedural steps are undetermined at this time.