Convict threatens police delegate during Rio de Janeiro jury trial

Ronan Azevedo Bento, a convict sentenced to 112 years in prison, threatened police delegate Leonardo Affonso during a jury trial at the São Gonçalo Forum in Rio de Janeiro. The incident occurred during a hearing regarding the activities of a militia involved in extortion, threats, and homicides in the Niterói and São Gonçalo regions.

According to reports, Bento, known as ‘Jogador’, became agitated during the testimony and directed a death threat toward Affonso, stating, ‘I’m going to get you!’, accompanied by a threatening gesture. The presiding judge, Juliana Bessa, suspended the hearing and ordered the defendant to be removed from the courtroom. The Court of Justice of Rio de Janeiro (TJRJ) also noted that a fine for bad-faith litigation would be applied.

Following the incident, Delegate Affonso filed a police report for coercion during legal proceedings, stating he fears for his physical integrity and life due to his history of investigating criminal organizations. Bento has been identified as an enforcer linked to a militia group operating in neighborhoods such as Porto Velho, Porto Novo, Gradim, and Porto da Madama.