82-year-old man who worked as a pastor is arrested in Santa Catarina for raping a vulnerable person committed 144 times

An 82-year-old pastor was arrested this Monday (23) in Indaial, in Vale of Itajaí, in Santa Catarina. The arrest occurred after a definitive conviction for the crime of rape of a vulnerable person, carried out on an ongoing basis. The abuses were committed between 2009 and 2015 in the municipality of Apiúna, when the victim was between 8 and 15 years old. The Polícia Civil investigation estimates that the acts occurred 144 times over approximately six years.

At the time of the events, the convict was around 70 years old and worked as a pastor of a church. Ele maintained a friendly relationship with the victim’s family and took advantage of their trust to make frequent visits to the residence. The crimes occurred mainly during overnight stays, when the man slept in the same room or in the same bed as the child. The victim belonged to a family in a socially vulnerable situation, which facilitated the author’s access.

Details of conviction and sentence served

Delegacia of Polícia of Comarca of Ascurra served the arrest warrant resulting from the sentence. The man was sentenced to 15 years, 6 months and 20 days in closed prison. The conviction refers to article 217-A of Código Penal, which deals with the rape of a vulnerable person in continuous criminal activity. The criminal action continued until final judgment, allowing the immediate execution of the custodial sentence.

The elderly man already had a previous conviction for the same type of crime. In 2014, he received an eight-year prison sentence for rape of a vulnerable person registered in the municipality of Indaial. Essa previous conviction reinforces the history of criminal practices against minors. Polícia Civil acted based on elements collected throughout the investigation, including the victim’s detailed report.

Context of the abuse and how it occurred

The abuse began when the victim was just 8 years old. Eles lasted until the victim turned 15, forming a sequence of repeated libidinous acts. The author took advantage of his position of religious authority and his proximity to his family to maintain constant contact. The incidents were concentrated during overnight stays at the child’s home, where the convict slept in the same room.

Polícia Civil highlighted that the estimated number of 144 acts results from the analysis of the six-year period and the victim’s consistent report. The facts were investigated by the police station responsible for the district, which gathered sufficient evidence to support the complaint and subsequent conviction. The process was processed in compliance with legal guarantees, culminating in the final sentence that is now being executed.

Characteristics of the crime of rape of a vulnerable person

The crime of rape of a vulnerable person affects children under 14 years of age or people who do not have the capacity to offer resistance. The law establishes a prison sentence of 8 to 15 years, with possible aggravating circumstances in cases of serious injury or death. In the present case, the continuity of the crime increased the reprimand applied by Judiciário. The investigation was based on the victim’s report, complemented by other evidence collected over the years.

The absence of in-person witnesses is common in this type of crime, but the victim’s testimony serves as a relevant initial piece. Polícia Civil has technical and expert means to corroborate the reports and form the body of evidence. No Brasil, the legislation protects the presumed vulnerability of children and adolescents, regardless of any alleged consent.

Prevention measures and guidance for families

Parents and guardians should observe changes in children’s behavior and advise them to report any inappropriate touching to a trusted adult. Raising awareness about the signs of child sexual abuse contributes to early identification of cases. Órgãos of protection such as guardianship councils and specialized police stations receive complaints confidentially and carry out the necessary investigations.

Society has official channels for recording incidents involving violence against minors. Prevention involves family education and attention to children living with adults in positions of authority. Casos like this reinforce the importance of not naturalizing trust relationships without adequate supervision in domestic environments.

History of the investigation into Santa Catarina

The investigation of the facts took place over years until the final judgment. Delegacia of Ascurra coordinated the execution of the arrest warrant on Monday morning (23). The prisoner was sent to the prison system to serve his sentence in a closed regime. Polícia Civil maintains confidentiality regarding details that may identify the victim, preserving their integrity and privacy.

Investigations of sexual crimes against vulnerable people require sensitivity and specialized techniques. Em Santa Catarina, regional police stations work together with Ministério Público and Poder Judiciário to ensure the speedy progress of processes. The case of Apiúna followed this regular flow until the final conviction.