Former Religious Leader Charged with Rape of Teenage Congregant

Today, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill announced charges filed against Armando Flores for allegedly raping a teenager while he served as a religious leader to the girl more than 20 years ago.

The victim-survivor in the case, R.M., told police that when she was 14 years old, between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2004, her family had recently joined a church and that the defendant was the local leader of that church and prevalent in her life. On three different days, the defendant is accused of sexual activity with the defendant. On one of those days, the defendant grabbed R.M. from behind in a bear hug as she walked to seminary and told her to get in his truck. The defendant then drove her to a local park, pushed R.M. onto a bed in his truck, and raped her. The defendant then took the teen to school.

The defendant is charged with two counts of first-degree felony rape and one count of first-degree felony object rape. The charges against the defendant were originally filed under seal on February 20, 2025, they were unsealed on February 26, 2025.

"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 into adulthood, not hurt them and take advantage of their trust. We appreciate the courage the victim-survivor had to come forward. We will provide her with all the support this office can offer. 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," said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. "All persons accused of wrongdoing are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law."