Oklahoma Pastor Elmer Flores Sentenced to 30 Years for Human Trafficking

Elmer Flores sentenced to 30 years for labor trafficking

An Oklahoma man received a 30-year prison sentence following his conviction for orchestrating a forced labor trafficking scheme out of his Oklahoma City home, KGOU reported.

On November 3, 41-year-old Elmer Flores was convicted of 13 counts of human trafficking for labor involving eight victims. This is the first conviction for forced labor human trafficking in Oklahoma history, according to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN).

The investigation into Flores began in March of last year. Authorities acted after receiving information that he was trafficking members of a church he was operating from his residence.

Former Oklahoma City pastor sentenced to 30 years for human trafficking crimes

Flores used coercion and physical threats to control victims

Victims told investigators that Flores coerced them into cutting all ties with their families and living within his home. They also reported being forced to quit their jobs to work for him without receiving any compensation.

Physical threats were a primary tool of control. Victims reported that Flores would physically threaten them if they attempted to leave the environment.

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OBN Public Information Officer Mark Woodward noted that the transition from voluntary participation to forced labor often happens through psychological manipulation. Flores had reportedly claimed involvement with MS-13 to bolster his influence.

“Fear was what drove many of these people to be in an environment that they were not free to leave. So, even if they were willing participants at first — going to church, believing this pastor had their best interests at heart — suddenly, that changed when they felt threatened and their lives were in danger,” Woodward said. Information Officer Mark Woodward

Barriers to reporting exploitation

While this conviction is a legal milestone for the state, Woodward clarified that the absence of prior convictions does not mean forced labor is not a recurring issue in Oklahoma. He pointed to systemic obstacles that keep victims in the shadows.

Elmer Flores, pastor of Ministerio Levantando Adoradores Para Cristo in Del City, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 30 years after convictions on 13 counts of human trafficking for labor and four sex offenses involving children. He ran the church out of his home.https://t.co/4wEw6lC3bj

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Language barriers frequently prevent victims from communicating effectively with local authorities. Many victims are undocumented and live in constant fear of law enforcement.

Woodward stated that victims are often told by traffickers not to talk to the police because they fear deportation. This tactic effectively weaponizes the legal status of vulnerable populations to ensure silence and continued exploitation.

Former Oklahoma pastor sentenced to 30 years for human trafficking crimes

Additional criminal charges

Beyond the labor trafficking convictions, the court addressed other serious allegations against Flores. He was charged with one count of sexual battery and one count of indecent or lewd acts with a child under the age of 16.

The 30-year sentence follows the jury’s decision regarding the 13 counts of labor trafficking involving the eight identified victims.