Former Rio priest gets 48-year sentence for torture and sexual abuse

The Rio de Janeiro Court sentenced former priest Eric Araujo Siqueira Pereira to 48 years, 1 month and 10 days in prison. The 4th Criminal Court of São Gonçalo found him guilty of multiple crimes against his two stepchildren, including torture, instigation to suicide, rape of a vulnerable minor and the provision of child‑pornography. The offenses were committed between October 2020 and May 2021 while the priest lived with his partner, the children and a daughter in the São Gonçalo metropolitan area.

Investigations began after one victim showed severe behavioral changes and was initially misdiagnosed with schizophrenia. A multidisciplinary team later linked the symptoms to the abuse, prompting the Public Ministry of Rio de Janeiro (MPRJ) to expand the charges. The court’s verdict was issued in the early hours of 5 May, with the sentencing panel fully endorsing the prosecution’s case.