In Boa Vista, Brazil, a 21-year-old man was arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl who had been reported missing since Tuesday, October 24. The suspect, after sending messages to the victim's family claiming he was with her, was located by the police at his residence. The girl, who suffers from ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder, was safely rescued during a police operation named 'Tolerância Zero' aimed at addressing such crimes in the area.

The police investigation revealed that the suspect had made contact with the girl’s family while she was missing, admitting that he was with her. The police took immediate action leading to the operation that found the teenager. During questioning, the suspect confessed to having had sexual relations with the girl but claimed he was unaware of her young age, highlighting the legal presumption that individuals under 14 years of age do not have the capacity to consent.

This incident raises critical concerns regarding the safety of minors, especially those with mental health diagnoses, in a society where such vulnerabilities can lead to exploitation. Authorities have emphasized the need for heightened awareness and protective measures to safeguard at-risk youth from similar predicaments in the future as they confront an increasing number of cases involving child sexual exploitation.