Cardiologist is detained in RS accused of raping patients under sedatives; 14 women testify

Polícia Civil of Rio Grande of Sul preventively arrested a cardiologist in Taquara, in Região Metropolitana of Porto Alegre, on suspicion of serious sexual crimes committed against his patients during medical consultations. Até At the moment, 14 women have already been identified as possible victims, having recorded incidents and given detailed statements to the authorities. The investigation, which is ongoing, reveals an alarming pattern of conduct, with the professional allegedly using controlled medication to sedate patients before the abuse, exploiting their vulnerability in the clinical environment.

The delegate responsible for the case highlighted that the investigation focuses on the active search for more victims, as there is a strong conviction that the number of people affected could be even greater. The complaints and initial reports point to systematic action by the doctor, cardiologist Daniel Pereira Kollet, who allegedly maintained this behavior for at least two years. Após At each appointment, he demanded secrecy from the patients, seeking to silence the victims and prevent the crimes from coming to light. The local community is on alert given the seriousness of the accusations and the repercussion of the case.

Details of the police investigation and the number of victims

Polícia Civil of Rio Grande of Sul intensified actions to uncover the extent of the crimes attributed to the cardiologist. With 14 victims already formally heard and their testimonies attached to the investigation, the task force at the Taquara police station operates on the premise that the network of abuse is wider than initially imagined. The identification of these women was crucial to solidify the evidence against the professional, who is now responsible for crimes of rape of a vulnerable person and sexual harassment, according to legal classifications.

The investigative team’s due diligence includes reviewing medical records, diaries and other documents pertinent to the doctor’s office. Este Detailed work aims to map possible gaps or inconsistencies that may indicate a greater number of patients at risk or who have already been victims. The active search, as described by the delegate, involves analyzing service standards and communicating with the population to encourage new reports, ensuring that all voices are heard and that justice is applied in an unrestricted manner.

The suspect’s modus operandi during consultations

The statements collected by the police outline a disturbing pattern of conduct on the part of cardiologist Daniel Pereira Kollet. One of the patients, in her report, described how the doctor prescribed controlled medication and required periodic returns to the office. Foi in these returns, in an environment of supposed trust and medical care, that the rapes would have occurred repeatedly. Delegate Valeriano explained that the professional “doped the victim and systematically committed repeated rapes”, resulting in a state of extreme vulnerability for women. The victims, under the influence of sedatives, appeared “drugged, dragging themselves”, which constitutes the crime of rape of a vulnerable person due to the inability to offer resistance or consent. Este pattern of action demonstrates premeditation and calculated use of the patients’ fragility.

The voice of victims and the perception of irregularities

The courage of the victims in reporting was fundamental to the progress of the investigations. One of the women, suspicious of the cardiologist’s conduct, decided to take a family member to a follow-up appointment. Essa precaution proved to be crucial, as, in the presence of the companion, the doctor did not carry out any type of inappropriate physical contact. The experience raised even more suspicions and motivated the patient to seek a second medical opinion.

When consulting another health professional, the victim was informed that she did not have any health problem that would justify the controlled medication that had been prescribed, nor the need for frequent check-ups. Essa revelation solidified the belief that something was deeply wrong with the cardiologist’s procedures and diagnoses, prompting the formalization of the complaint to Polícia Civil. The identification of patterns of behavior and the exchange of experiences between the victims have been important in corroborating the accusations.

The doctor’s defense and his version of the facts

Lawyer Rômulo Campana, legal representative of cardiologist Daniel Pereira Kollet, vehemently refuted the accusations. In an official statement, the defense declared that the doctor, with almost 30 years of experience, has “unblemished conduct” and that his professional work “has always been guided by ethics, responsibility and commitment to the health of his patients”. The legal team emphasized that, to date, it has not had full access to the police investigation that led to its client’s preventive arrest.

The defense informed that it is waiting for full access to the case files to then issue a more comprehensive official note that will allow for a more detailed clarification of the facts. Informalmente, during his arrest, the doctor admitted to the police that he hugged the victims, but with the “intention of showing affection and spiritual guidance”. Essa statement, however, contrasts with the victims’ testimonies, which describe non-consensual touching during consultations.

Positioning of Conselho Regional of Medicina

Given the seriousness of the allegations involving the cardiologist, Conselho Regional of Medicina of Estado of Rio Grande of Sul (Cremers) spoke out through an official note. The regulatory body expressed in-depth knowledge of the facts and assured that administrative measures have already been taken to properly investigate the case. The entity reinforced the seriousness of the situation and the need for a rigorous and transparent investigation.

The Cremers note highlights the commitment to medical ethics and patient protection. The council stated that, if the allegations are proven, all necessary actions will be taken to punish those responsible, in accordance with Código of Ética Médica and professional regulations. The body emphasized that it does not condone conduct that distorts the doctor-patient relationship and that it will act firmly to safeguard the integrity of the profession and the public’s trust.

The administrative process carried out by Cremers will run in parallel with the criminal investigation, and may result in sanctions ranging from warnings to revocation of professional registration. Speedy investigation of the facts is a priority for the council, aiming to provide a response to society and the victims. The institution is also available to collaborate with police and judicial authorities, providing technical and ethical support for complete clarification of the situation, seeking to ensure maximum transparency.

Legal proceedings and community appeals

After preventive detention, cardiologist Daniel Pereira Kollet was sent to Núcleo of Gestão Estratégica of Sistema Prisional (Nugesp), a screening center located in the capital of Rio Grande do Sul. The preventive measure aims to guarantee public order, the convenience of criminal investigation and the application of criminal law, preventing the suspect from interfering in the collection of evidence or intimidating potential new victims. The legal process will now follow the stages of investigation, offering a complaint via Ministério Público and, if accepted, the initiation of criminal action.

Polícia Civil reiterates the importance of community collaboration so that the investigation can be completed as comprehensively as possible. The authorities provided a specific channel for anonymous complaints, the telephone number (51) 98443-3481. Este number serves as a vital tool for other potential victims or people with relevant information to come forward, contributing to the complete elucidation of the case and ensuring that justice is served for all affected women.

The crime of rape of a vulnerable person and its implications

The crime of rape of a vulnerable person, as typified by Brazilian Código Penal, occurs when someone has carnal knowledge or performs another libidinous act with a person who does not have the necessary discernment to carry out the act or who, for any other reason, cannot offer resistance. In the context of this case, the sedation of patients by the cardiologist would render them incapable of consenting or resisting, bringing the alleged acts within the definition of this serious crime. The penalty for raping a vulnerable person is severe, ranging from 8 to 15 years in prison, in addition to other legal and ethical implications that fall on the health professional.