Former Masterchef contestant Jason de Souza Junior sentenced to 12 years for raping 12-year-old girl in Florianópolis

The Santa Catarina Court sentenced chef Jason de Souza Junior to 12 years in prison in a closed regime for the rape of a 12-year-old girl. The crime occurred on December 31, 2024, in the Trindade neighborhood, Florianópolis, near the Federal University of Santa Catarina. The ruling was issued on October 1, 2025, and confirmed by the victim’s family and the defendant’s defense.

Jason de Souza Junior, a former participant in the 2022 Masterchef season, was arrested in flagrante the day after the crime in Palhoça. He has been held in the Capital’s Men’s Prison since then.

The victim’s aunt expressed relief with the sentence, highlighting the girl’s weekly psychological support since the incident.

Crime circumstances

The girl was approached by the chef at her doorstep, without prior acquaintance. He forced her into a vehicle under threat of a firearm.

He then took her to the UFSC campus, where he committed the rape. Afterward, he returned her to an area near her home, ordering silence under threat of death.

The victim reported the incident to her family, who took her to the hospital and alerted the police.

Identification and arrest

Police identified Jason de Souza Junior by physical characteristics described by the girl, such as a scar on his abdomen and beard. His vehicle was also located.

The arrest in flagrante occurred in Palhoça, Greater Florianópolis. The Civil Police investigation confirmed injuries to the victim’s private parts through forensic examination.

The custody hearing converted the detention to preventive, and the case proceeded under secrecy of justice.

Masterchef participation

Jason de Souza Junior participated in the 2022 Masterchef season, reaching the top 5. He stood out with dishes like ribs, featured on a restaurant chain’s menu.

Before the show, he worked as a construction entrepreneur and taught gastronomy classes in São José. A Florianópolis native, he is married and a father of two daughters.

During the reality show, he cooked as an amateur and played guitar in a gospel band.

Defense’s stance

The defense denies the crime and plans to appeal the sentence. It argues the ruling relied solely on the victim’s testimony, contradicting other evidence.

Attorney Marcos Paulo Poeta dos Santos expresses confidence in the judiciary to overturn the conviction. Initially, the defense claimed a meeting via a dating app, alleging the girl lied about her age.

Jason remained silent during the police interrogation.

Victim’s support

The family thanked the police for their swift action despite the festive date. Officers left their families to apprehend the suspect.

The girl receives weekly psychiatric care to cope with the trauma’s effects. The Penal Code stipulates 8 to 15 years for rape of a vulnerable person, with aggravations for injuries.

• Severe injuries increase the penalty to 10 to 20 years.
• The victim’s death could result in 12 to 30 years of imprisonment.