'Shamanistic leader' in Southern California arrested for child sexual abuse

A 60-year-old man in Riverside County, described by authorities as the “religious leader of a shamanistic community,” was arrested after several people accused him of sexual assault, authorities announced Wednesday.  

According to a new release from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, multiple victims went to the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station on Aug. 1 to report that they were sexually assaulted by Ricardo Flores at a residence in the 26000 block of Sandi Lane.  

During their investigation, RCSD detectives said they learned the alleged assaults occurred in multiple locations in Riverside County.  

The 60-year-old, a resident of Rialto, was arrested on Aug. 7 at the U.S. border as he was attempting to return to the states from Mexico.  

“Flores was transported back to Riverside County and booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center for sexual assault and child sexual abuse,” the release stated.  

Investigators believe there may be other victims and are encouraging anyone with additional information on this case to contact RCSD Lead Investigator Acevedo at 951-486-6700.