Copasa ordered to indemnify victims of former employee's sexual crimes

The Court of Justice of Minas Gerais (TJMG) has ordered Copasa, the Minas Gerais Sanitation Company, to pay R$ 120,000 in moral damages to two victims of sexual crimes committed by a former employee in Inhapim.

Each victim is to receive R$ 60,000. The crimes, which targeted children and adolescents over a period of more than three years, were brought to light by the Public Ministry of Minas Gerais (MPMG).

While a lower court had previously only held the former employee liable, the TJMG overturned that decision on appeal. The court ruled that Copasa bears joint responsibility because the perpetrator utilized professional advantages—including his job role, company infrastructure, an official vehicle, and the credibility associated with his position—to approach the victims.