Today, Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that Prosecutors have indicted 43 year-old Bryan Flores of Puna on charges related to the sexual assault of a minor. The charges stem from incidents that occurred between 2019 and 2022. According to police reports, Flores is alleged to have been the minor’s Muay Thai coach during that time period.

As the Indictment alleges, Flores is charged with twelve counts including five counts of Sexual Assault in the First Degree, four counts of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree, a single count of Sexual Assault in the Third Degree, and two counts of Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree. The most serious offenses, Sexual Assault in the First Degree, carries a penalty of a twenty-year prison term.

Flores is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Hilo Circuit Court on Friday afternoon. He remains in custody in lieu of $370,000.00 bail.

The case was initiated by Officer Onan Masaoka, Puna Patrol, and the felony investigation was led by Detective Gavin Kagimoto, Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ha‘aheo Kaho‘ohalahala, Supervisor of the Sexual Assault Unit.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please go to a safe place, and call a trusted friend or relative for support. You can call 911 to report the sexual assault to the police. The YWCA Hawai‘i Island 24-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline has advocates available 7 days a week to provide support and advocacy. They can be reached at (808) 935-0677.
The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.