A former Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints branch president, Armando Flores, has been charged with raping a teenager under his religious authority more than 20 years ago. On March 4, 2025, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill announced multiple charges against the 69-year-old Flores, following allegations of sexual abuse dating from 2002 to 2004.
The charges against Flores include two counts of first-degree felony rape and one count of object rape. This legal action reflects the severity of the accusations, stemming from the victim's report as she detailed the harrowing experiences she faced as a young teen.
According to the charging documents, the victim, identified only as “R.M.,” stated she was just 14 when the abuse began. Her family had recently joined Flores's congregation when the alleged assaults occurred, with Flores serving as the branch president. The victim expressed how prevalent he was in her life.
Significantly disturbing allegations detail specific incidents where Flores allegedly took advantage of the victim’s trust. One account describes how Flores got R.M. drunk at his home and raped her. On another occasion, he reportedly grabbed her, forced her inside his truck, and assaulted her at a park. Such actions reveal not only the egregious nature of his behavior but also how he exploited his position within the church to exert control over the victim.
Flores reportedly made efforts to manipulate R.M. emotionally, reminding her of how he had helped her family with financial assistance and employment opportunities for her mother. He allegedly told her, “They needed him,” as part of his coercion to maintain her silence. Even more shockingly, he mentioned knowing “a doctor who could sew her up and make her a virgin again,” highlighting the depth of his manipulation and the psychological impact on his young victim.
Sim Gill responded to the gravity of these charges, stating, “The youth in our community should be able to trust the adults in their lives. We are here to help them flourish as they grow, not to take advantage of their trust.” He also commended R.M. for her courage to come forward and assured her of the legal system's support.
This is not Flores’ first encounter with the law concerning sexual misconduct. He was convicted of sexual battery against another member of his church, also involving a young girl, back in 2012. He served four months of jail time and was placed on three years of probation. The latest charges, which have resurfaced years after his previous conviction, raise serious questions about the safety and trustworthiness of those in leadership positions within religious communities.
Investigators have indicated difficulties tracking down Flores, who is currently considered at large and thought to be a flight risk. The warrant for his arrest was recently unsealed to alert airports and border crossings, nonetheless, authorities have not yet located him.
Flores allegedly admitted to the victim writing him a letter thanking him for his help to her family. Yet, when confronted about the assaults, he reportedly kept her letter hidden among his “naughty treasures” – indicative of his attempts to downplay the situation and avoid accountability.
This latest case has sparked outrage and concern within the community, emphasizing the need for vigilant scrutiny of individuals holding power over vulnerable populations like minors. Legal experts and community leaders alike are rallying for action to protect youth and hold offenders accountable.
Sim Gill also acknowledged the broader impact of such abuse and urged survivors to come forward. “If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has, please report it so it can be investigated. Once it is investigated, it can be prosecuted, and the offender can be held accountable. You don’t have to suffer in silence,” he stated.
Details leading to Flores' recent charges, including how the investigation evolved and the emotional toll on R.M., are being closely followed by the public as this story develops. Community members are left pondering how trust was so deeply violated under the guise of religious leadership.
The unsealing of the warrant signifies not just action against Flores for his alleged crimes but also serves to fortify community resolve against such heinous acts. Survivors are encouraged to seek justice, and as investigations continue, more information about this case is expected to emerge, potentially leading to wider conversations about accountability within religious institutions.