Former Oklahoma City Pastor Ordered To Stand Trial
- mike33692
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
Former Oklahoma City Pastor Ordered To Stand Trial On Human Trafficking Charges
A former Oklahoma City pastor will stand trial after a judge ruled there is sufficient evidence for prosecutors to move forward with a case involving allegations of human trafficking, sexual battery, and child sex crimes.
The ruling follows an investigation conducted by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Human Trafficking Unit, which alleges that Elmer Baca Flores operated a forced-labor scheme from his Oklahoma County home while using the residence as a church gathering location.
Prosecutors claim Flores used intimidation, isolation, and religious influence to control members of his congregation while forcing some victims to work without pay.
The judge's decision means the case will proceed toward trial, although a court date has not yet been announced.
Former Oklahoma City Pastor Accused Of Running Forced-Labor Scheme
According to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the investigation began in March 2025 after allegations surfaced involving members of Flores' congregation.
Investigators allege the former Oklahoma City pastor used multiple methods to maintain control over followers.
According to court records and testimony presented during preliminary proceedings, prosecutors allege Flores:
Forced members to quit their jobs
Isolated followers from family members
Required victims to live in his residence
Forced individuals to work without compensation
Threatened physical harm if members attempted to leave
Claimed connections to the MS-13 gang to create fear
Investigators further allege Flores used his position as a religious leader to manipulate followers and maintain authority over congregation members.
The allegations remain accusations, and Flores is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Sexual Abuse Allegations Included In Case
The case against the former Oklahoma City pastor also includes allegations involving sexual misconduct.
According to prosecutors, one alleged victim reported that Flores sexually battered her during what was described as a religious "test" intended to measure her ability to resist temptation.
In addition to the human trafficking allegations, Flores faces:
Five counts of human trafficking for labor
One count of sexual battery
Three separate counts of lewd acts with a child
According to the Oklahoma County District Court Records Search, prosecutors formally amended the case to include the current trafficking allegations as the investigation expanded.
The charges represent some of the most serious criminal allegations available under Oklahoma law.
Former Oklahoma City Pastor Remains In Custody
Following the preliminary hearing, the judge determined prosecutors presented enough evidence to allow the case to proceed to trial.
According to the Oklahoma County Detention Center, Flores remains incarcerated at the Oklahoma County Detention Center.
Court records show bond has been set at $250,000.
Supporters of anti-human trafficking efforts say the case highlights the challenges investigators face when alleged victims are controlled through fear, isolation, financial dependence, or religious influence.
The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Human Trafficking Unit continues to investigate human trafficking allegations statewide, including cases involving labor trafficking and sexual exploitation.
A trial date for the former Oklahoma City pastor has not yet been scheduled.
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