Public Ministry orders investigation into potential statutory rape in Campo Grande

The Public Ministry of Mato Grosso do Sul has requested that the Specialized Police Station for the Protection of Children and Adolescents (DEPCA) launch a criminal investigation into a potential case of statutory rape in Campo Grande.

The investigation follows a paternity verification process initiated after a child was born in April 2025 without a father identified on the birth certificate. Authorities noted that the mother was 14 years old at the time of birth. Upon reviewing the timeline, the Public Ministry identified indications that conception likely occurred when the adolescent was under the age of 14, triggering a criminal inquiry.

Efforts to locate the 20-year-old individual identified as the possible father have so far been unsuccessful. The case has been distributed to a prosecutor specializing in crimes against children and adolescents.