Shaman in Riverside County Arrested for Child Assault

A 59-year-old man, identified as Ricardo Isaac Flores, has been arrested in Riverside County on multiple charges of sexual assault against children. Authorities report that Flores, who is described as the shaman of a religious sect, faces serious allegations including forcible rape, aggravated sexual assault of a child, and lewd acts on a minor. The Riverside County Sheriff's Office initiated the investigation after several victims came forward to report assaults that occurred at a residence on Sandi Lane in Moreno Valley. Detectives have since determined that the assaults were not confined to a single location, indicating that Flores may have committed these crimes at various sites throughout Riverside County. The investigation suggests that due to Flores' position as a religious leader within a shamanistic community, there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward. The exact nature of the religious sect he leads has not been disclosed by authorities. Flores was arrested on Wednesday upon returning from a trip to Mexico, following the issuance of an arrest warrant. He has been charged with multiple counts, including two counts of lewd acts on a child and two counts of penetration of a minor under duress. Additionally, he faces allegations of targeting multiple victims, which could lead to enhanced sentencing. Currently, Flores remains in custody without bail at a facility in Banning.