A 38-year-old pastor, wanted for sexual abuse and exploitation of teenagers, was arrested in São Bernardo do Campo, SP, following a joint operation by the police.
A 38-year-old pastor, who had been a fugitive since 2024, was arrested on Tuesday, October 10, in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo. He is suspected of sexually abusing and exploiting two adolescent girls from Ubá in the Zona da Mata region of Minas Gerais. The arrest was part of a coordinated effort between the Civil Police of Minas Gerais and the Federal Police, led by the Integrated Force to Combat Organized Crime (Ficco) based in Juiz de Fora.
According to the Civil Police, investigations suggest that the pastor exploited his religious position to facilitate the commission of the abuses. The capture followed the exchange of information between various police departments and included surveillance of the suspect. After the arrest, the pastor was taken to the prison system, and investigations are ongoing to identify any other potential victims linked to this case.
The implications of this case are significant, particularly in the context of addressing sexual abuse within communities that are often vulnerable due to trust in religious figures. The ongoing investigations highlight the need for vigilance in similar cases and the importance of ensuring that victims feel safe to come forward. The arrest may also prompt discussions about the accountability of religious leaders and the need for protective measures in similar environments.
