Muay Thai coach accused of sexually assaulting minor

A 43-year-old Puna man was indicted Thursday for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor.

Bryan Flores was charged with 12 counts, including five counts first-degree sexual assault, four counts of second-degree sexual assault, one count of third-degree sexual assault, and two counts of fourth-degree sexual assault.

The most serious offenses, first-degree sexual assault, carry a penalty of 20 years in prison upon conviction.

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.

Flores is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Hilo Circuit Court this afternoon. He remains in custody in lieu of $370,000 bail.

The case was initiated by Officer Onan Masaoka, Puna Patrol, and the felony investigation was led by police Detective Gavin Kagimoto, Area I Juvenile Aid Section.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ha‘aheo Kaho‘ohalahala, Supervisor of the Sexual Assault Unit.