Shaman known as Koyote the Blind arrested for sexual assault at Southern California spiritual community

A Californian shaman has been arraigned on charges that he sexually assaulted two female victims.

Ricardo Flores, 59, was arrested by officers last week after multiple victims reported alleged sexual assaults committed by him to the Moreno Valley Sheriff's Office. 

Authorities say that Flores is the religious leader of a shamanistic community and calls him Koyote the Blind. 

Officials say they managed to detain Flores as he was returning to the US from Mexico, before he was later charged with eight felony crimes including rape. 

The Riverside County District Attorney's Office revealed that Flores had been charged with eight felony crimes.

Ricardo Flores, 59, was arrested by officers last week after multiple victims reported sexual assaults committed by him to the Moreno Valley Sheriff's Office

Officials said they believed there could be more victims and encouraged anyone with information to come forward

These included rape, lewd acts on a child, two counts of penetration of a minor, penetration with a foreign object and aggravated sexual assault of a child.   

According to the authorities, the acts occurred over a decade from 2012 to 2023 and he faces life in prison if convicted. 

The Sheriff's Office said that some of the alleged crimes took place that matches the address of Xicoco Shamanic Arts, a group led by Flores in Moreno Valley.  

Officials said they believed there could be more victims and encouraged anyone with information to come forward.

In online profiles, Flores describes himself as being an exiled shaman, accomplished magician and yogi originally from El Salvador. 

Flores describes his time in the country as where he trained 'among the volcanoes and jungles pursuing his Jesuit education'. 

He has led a number of organizations and written books on his ideas according to his online biographies. 

His teaching revolve around a healing system and ancient healing energy called 'Aka Dua'. 

In online profiles, Flores describes himself as being an exiled shaman, accomplished magician and yogi originally from El Salvador.

Flores also frequently refers to teachings related to sex and what he refers to as the mastery of 'sexual alchemy' and 'sex magick'. 

An online profile says that after moving to America in 1985 he pursued a graduate and post graduate degree in Philosophy and Cognitive Sciences. 

The Xicoco Shamanic Arts website says they offer 'sweat lodges, vision quests, and a medicine wheel'.

Flores next scheduled court appearance will be on August 23 and according to the court is a continuation of his arraignment.