Oklahoma Human Trafficking Conviction Sends Former Pastor to Prison
Oklahoma Human Trafficking Conviction Sends Former Pastor to Prison for 30 Years
A historic Oklahoma human trafficking conviction has resulted in a 30-year prison sentence for former Oklahoma City-area pastor Elmer Baca Flores, marking the state's first conviction involving human trafficking for forced labor. Flores, 41, was sentenced on November 3, 2026, following his conviction on 17 criminal counts involving forced labor, sexual misconduct and the exploitation of vulnerable members of his congregation.
Flores previously led Ministerio Levantando Adoradores Para Cristo Inc., a religious organization operating in the Oklahoma City area. Investigators determined that he used his position of religious authority to manipulate families into abandoning their jobs and homes, moving into his residence and performing unpaid labor. The investigation also uncovered threats, intimidation and sexual abuse involving members of the congregation, including minors.
Oklahoma Human Trafficking Conviction Includes 17 Criminal Counts
An Oklahoma County District Court found Flores guilty of 13 counts of human trafficking for labor, along with four additional offenses involving sexual misconduct.
Those convictions included two counts of lewd or indecent proposals to a child, one count of indecent or lewd acts with a child under 16, and one count of sexual battery.
The court imposed a 30-year prison sentence in the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, along with mandatory sex offender registration. Deportation was also reported as part of the case's consequences, although immigration enforcement is handled separately under federal law.
The prosecution represents a significant milestone in Oklahoma's efforts to combat forced labor, a form of human trafficking that can occur outside industries traditionally associated with labor exploitation.
Former Pastor Used Religious Authority to Control and Exploit Families
Investigators found that Flores pressured multiple families to quit their jobs, leave their homes and relocate to his residence, which also functioned as a church.
Once there, victims were required to perform unpaid labor while remaining under his control. Authorities documented threats of physical violence, including claims that Flores had connections to the MS-13 criminal gang.
Investigators also identified spiritual manipulation and religious coercion, with Flores allegedly using victims' beliefs to discourage resistance and maintain control.
Court records described additional abuse involving congregation members, including sexual misconduct disguised as religious loyalty tests and the isolation of a teenage victim.
Under Oklahoma's human trafficking laws, forcing individuals to provide labor through threats, coercion or other prohibited means can constitute a serious criminal offense.
Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Investigation Exposes Forced Labor Trafficking
The investigation involved the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Human Trafficking Unit and the Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office, which worked to document the exploitation and prosecute the criminal charges.
The case highlights how human trafficking can occur within trusted community institutions, including organizations where individuals may initially seek spiritual guidance, employment or personal support.
The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics investigates human trafficking offenses involving forced labor and sexual exploitation, working with prosecutors and other law enforcement agencies.
Through its Human Trafficking Program, the agency also provides information about recognizing trafficking indicators, reporting suspected exploitation and connecting victims with assistance.
The Oklahoma human trafficking conviction of Elmer Baca Flores marks a significant development in the prosecution of forced labor crimes. His 30-year sentence follows findings that he exploited religious authority to control families, force unpaid labor and commit sexual offenses, underscoring the importance of identifying trafficking wherever coercion and abuse occur.
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