Patrick Connaughton, wife arrested in north Phoenix sex abuse case

PHOENIX - Phoenix police say a man was arrested Wednesday night for sexually abusing two young girls for the last 10 years, and his wife admitted to knowing about it.

Sgt. Steve Martos said the suspect has been identified as 37-year-old Patrick Connaughton.

His wife, who was also arrested, was identified as 33-year-old Mary Connaughton.

Martos said the Connaughtons' home is near Bell Road and 15th Avenue in north Phoenix.

Glendale officers contacted Phoenix police around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday about a girl who ran away from home.

The teen girl then told Glendale officers about the sexual abuse, according to Martos.

During the investigation, detectives learned that another girl was also sexually abused by Patrick Connaughton, Martos said.

Patrick Connaughton admitted to his involvement, Martos said, adding that his wife also admitted to knowing about it and not reporting it.

His wife said she didn’t report it because she worried about becoming homeless, Martos said.

Patrick Connaughton was booked on several felony charges, including sexual conduct with a minor, public sexual indecency, and sexual abuse.

Mary Connaughton was booked on one count of child abuse for failing to protect.