CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — A judge has found Riley Quentin Flores incompetent to stand trial in connection with a June kidnapping and sexual assault investigation in Circleville, ordering him to undergo treatment at a Columbus behavioral health facility while efforts are made to restore his competency.
Flores appeared in Pickaway County Common Pleas Court proceedings this week, although he was not physically present for the Nov. 4 hearing. According to the court entry, his defense attorney waived his appearance because he had been admitted to the Central Ohio Behavioral Center.
The question of Flores’ competency had previously been raised, prompting the court to order an examination through Netcare Forensic Psychiatry Center in Columbus. After reviewing the written evaluation and other evidence before the court, Judge Matthew H. Chafin determined that Flores is not currently capable of understanding the nature and objectives of the proceedings against him or assisting in his own defense.
The court formally found Flores incompetent to stand trial at this time. The entry also states that he is not mentally retarded and that the charges against him are felony offenses.
Treatment ordered at Columbus facility
Judge Chafin ordered Flores to undergo treatment at the Central Ohio Behavioral Center’s Columbus campus, located at 2200 West Broad Street.
The court described the facility as the least restrictive alternative available that is consistent with public safety and treatment goals.
Under the order, Flores cannot be released or discharged from the facility without authorization from the court. He also cannot be granted unsupervised movement on the grounds, supervised movement off the grounds or non-secured status unless a future court order permits it.
The facility must immediately notify the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office and the Pickaway County Prosecutor’s Office if Flores escapes or is otherwise no longer in the security facility as ordered.
The case has been placed on the court’s inactive list while efforts to restore Flores’ competency continue. The facility is required to submit reports to the court as outlined under Ohio law.
Case began with June 23 incident
The case stems from an incident reported Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Rodeway Inn, located at 23897 U.S. Route 23 in Circleville.
According to an earlier release from Circleville Police Chief Kenny Fisher, officers responded to a report of a sexual assault. The victim told investigators Flores threatened her, forced her into a hotel room and physically assaulted her. The victim was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
Flores fled before officers arrived and was last seen running toward a nearby Walmart.
A multi-agency search ended June 25 when Flores was arrested in Seneca County. He was initially held at the Seneca County Jail while awaiting extradition to Pickaway County.
The original charges included kidnapping and sexual assault.
The competency ruling is not a dismissal of the charges or a finding of guilt or innocence. The case will remain inactive while treatment and competency-restoration efforts proceed.
