Rafael de Araújo Romano, a retired judge from Brazil, surrendered to the police in Manaus after being sentenced to 47 years in prison in 2020 for the sexual abuse of his granddaughter, who was only seven years old when the abuse began. The case received significant media attention due to the nature of the allegations and Romano's previous position in the judiciary.

The investigation revealed that the abuse had started in 2009 and was substantiated by the victim's testimony, which was included in the prosecution's case. Upon his surrender, Romano was taken into custody at the Delegacia Geral under a closed regime, indicating the seriousness of his sentence. Authorities have also indicated that further actions related to his past judicial role and the potential annulment of his pension will be addressed by the appropriate agencies.

This case highlights the critical issues surrounding sexual abuse, particularly within familial relationships, and raises questions about accountability for public figures. The judiciary's response in this matter reflects a commitment to addressing such heinous crimes and ensuring that justice is served, especially in cases involving vulnerable victims like children.