Shaman of Inland Empire spiritual sect is charged with rape, lewd acts

The shaman of an Inland Empire spiritual sect accused of sexually assaulting women was charged Friday, Aug. 9, with forcible rape and greater than a half-dozen different felony counts.

Ricardo Isaac Flores, 59, of Rialto was arrested Wednesday, Aug. 7, following a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department investigation that started final week.

Along with rape, Flores is charged with two counts every of lewd acts on a baby and penetration of a minor underneath duress or concern, in addition to one depend every of penetration with a overseas object and aggravated sexual assault of a kid.

Flores was being held with out the opportunity of bail on the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning.

Sheriff’s Sgt. James Merrill mentioned that an investigation into Flores’ alleged offenses started at first of the month, when multiple sufferer appeared on the sheriff’s Moreno Valley station and mentioned they’d been victimized at a house within the 26000 block of Sandi Lane in that group.

Detectives confirmed alleged assaults occurred not solely on the Sandi Lane property, however “places all through the county,” Merrill mentioned.

Flores had entry to the alleged victims on account of his being a non secular chief, the sergeant mentioned.

The particular sect was not recognized by authorities.

Flores has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.

Originally Published: August 9, 2024 at 1:02 p.m.