Pastor arrested in Rio de Janeiro for suspected sexual abuse

Jailton Nápoles Corrêa Menezes, a 55-year-old evangelical pastor, was arrested in Rio de Janeiro following investigations into the sexual abuse of more than ten women. The arrest was carried out by the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro in coordination with the Civil Police of Pará as part of ‘Operação Cajado Quebrado’ and ‘Projeto Captura’.

Investigations indicate that Menezes used his position of spiritual leadership to build trust with victims before committing the abuses. Identified victims have been located in the states of Pará, Rio de Janeiro, and Maranhão. Authorities are also investigating similar allegations in Amazonas and Rio Grande do Sul.

Menezes, who previously ran for federal deputy in 2010 and state deputy in 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, was found in the Vargem Grande/Recreio dos Bandeirantes area. He has been transferred to the penitentiary system and remains at the disposal of the judiciary.