Police records show a Sunrise Mountain High School baseball coach was investigated in 2025 after district staff reported allegations that he had acted inappropriately toward female students. The investigation, which began in August 2025, unfolded as other probes into Peoria Unified School District employees were moving through the system.
How the report reached police
The matter was flagged when James Nelson, the district's compliance coordinator, made a mandatory report to law enforcement citing alleged sexual misconduct occurring during the 2022-23 school year. Under Arizona law, school staff and coaches are mandatory reporters required to notify police or the Department of Child Safety if they suspect abuse.
Records indicate Nelson met with then-chief human resources officer Talia Visintainer and baseball coach Braden Taylor regarding separate concerns about a high school assistant coach. During that meeting, Visintainer told police Taylor had said the assistant coach likely had “dirt on Michael regarding his inappropriate behavior with female students.” Police later interviewed Visintainer and Taylor as part of the inquiry.
"Visintainer verified that Taylor had previously reported the issue and that multiple staff members had been made aware," police records say.
Coach placed on leave, then returned
The coach at the center of the inquiry, identified in public records as Michael Deardoff, was placed on administrative leave while police investigated. Records show he has since returned to campus. The police inquiry ran alongside a separate investigation into two former Centennial High School teachers, underscoring broader scrutiny within the district.
- Who: Michael Deardoff, Sunrise Mountain High School baseball coach (per records)
- When: Alleged misconduct said to have occurred during the 2022-23 school year; police inquiry began August 2025
- Actions: Mandatory report filed by district compliance coordinator; coach placed on leave during investigation and later returned
Local implications and context
The case highlights the role of mandatory reporting in Arizona public schools and the responsibilities of district employees to escalate suspicions of abuse. Failure to report can carry legal consequences under state law. For Peoria families, the episode may raise questions about how the district handles complaints, staff oversight and communication with parents when allegations arise.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reporting official | James Nelson, district compliance coordinator |
| Other officials interviewed | Talia Visintainer; Braden Taylor |
| School | Sunrise Mountain High School |
The public records do not detail the nature of all alleged incidents or identify the students involved. They do show district staff raised concerns internally before a formal referral to police. As Peoria Unified continues to confront multiple personnel investigations, parents and community members are likely to press the district for clearer information about timelines, safeguards and any changes to reporting and supervision policies.
Local education officials did not provide additional comment in the files cited. The matter remains a reminder that allegations involving school staff intersect with criminal-reporting obligations and community expectations of student safety.
