Godfather is arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing godchildren; other victims went to the police

A man investigated on suspicion of sexual abuse against children was preventively arrested by the Civil Police of Alagoas (PCAL), in Arapiraca, in Agreste de Alagoas. According to the police, the investigation began after family members of two children, aged 9 and 11, reported possible abuse committed by the suspect, who is the godfather of the victims' baptism.

According to delegate Matheus Alves, responsible for the Arapiraca Special Police Station for Children and Adolescents, the man would have used advantages offered to the family to gain the trust of relatives and facilitate access to minors.

During the investigations, other possible victims also contacted the police station and reported similar situations involving the person being investigated.

According to the Civil Police, it was identified that the man had a previous conviction by the Federal Court for storing pornographic content involving children. The case occurred in 2008.

The preventive detention was carried out by the team from the Arapiraca Special Police Station for Children and Adolescents. The Civil Police did not disclose the identity of the person being investigated nor did they say how many possible victims have been identified so far.

Delegate Matheus Alves reinforced the importance of reporting suspected sexual violence against children and adolescents. The specialized unit remains available to the population to receive complaints and investigate this type of crime.

Main crimes and penalties in Brazil

Rape of a vulnerable person (Art. 217-A of the Penal Code):

Carrying out sexual intercourse or other libidinous acts with anyone under 14 years of age.

Penalty: Imprisonment, based on recent updates (such as Law 15,280), with a minimum of 10 years, reaching up to 40 years in cases with more serious results (such as death).

Inducing a minor to indulge in lust (Art. 218 of the Penal Code):

Inducing someone under the age of 14 to satisfy another's lust.

Sexual exploitation (Art. 218-B of the Penal Code):

Submitting, inducing or facilitating prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation of minors under 18 years of age.

Penalty: Imprisonment of 4 to 10 years and fine (classified as a heinous crime).

Grooming, harassment or digital simulations (including Artificial Intelligence and deepfakes):

Enticing or constraining anyone under 14 years of age for libidinous purposes.

Penalty: Imprisonment of 3 to 5 years and fine, with increased penalty if false profiles, AI or social networks are used.

Production, possession and sharing of sexual abuse and exploitation material:

Acquire, possess or store: Imprisonment of 3 to 6 years and fine.