Elmer Flores was convicted of multiple human trafficking offenses following an investigation that first surfaced publicly in April of last year, when allegations of rape and abuse inside his church became known. Prosecutors said Flores forced some church members to quit their jobs and move into the church building, which also served as his residence.

Mark Woodward of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics said Flores used fear to control the people around him. "He would threaten them with fear if they didn't do everything he asked," Woodward said. According to investigators, Flores subjected victims to purported "tests" of loyalty, and in some cases they complied with additional demands because they feared for their lives.

The case has drawn attention to the broader problem of human trafficking in Oklahoma and the difficulty of detecting it when it occurs inside trusted institutions. Whitney Anderson, chief executive of Dragonfly Human Trafficking Victim Services, said traffickers thrive where communities are not paying attention. "I think the community needs to be aware. Traffickers operate in communities that are unaware or apathetic," Anderson said.

Dragonfly, which works directly with survivors, reported serving nearly 300 people last year. Anderson said economic pressure often creates openings for exploitation. "We're also seeing that anytime there's an economic downturn when people can't afford housing, food, or basic needs, traffickers take advantage of that," she said.

Woodward said the outcome should send a message to victims that they are not alone. "That's really the message we have at the OBN to all these victims is that you're not alone, you don't have to be afraid, and that help is available," he said.

Resources for victims are available through Dragonfly Human Trafficking Victim Services at dragonflyok.org.