# Criminal investigations in Rio de Janeiro penal system > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/criminal-investigations-in-rio-de-janeiro-penal-system > Updated: 2026-09-18T14:21:37.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro are investigating separate incidents involving sexual crimes and misconduct related to individuals connected to the penal system. In late August, Wansther Jorge Silva Damasceno, a convict serving a 121-year sentence, came under investigation for the rape of a 16-year-old girl. The incident allegedly occurred on August 10, shortly after Damasceno was released from the Plácido de Carvalho Penal Institute under a temporary prison furlough program. Following a confession, the State Secretariat of Penal Police (Seppen) transferred him to the Bangu 1 Complex for isolation. In mid-September, a different investigation was launched involving a prison officer accused of attempting to groom a 12-year-old girl. The investigation began after the victim’s father discovered messages sent by the officer, who reportedly frequented a school where the girl trained. The case is being handled by the Child and Adolescent Victim Police Station (DCAV) and has prompted an administrative inquiry by Seppen. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-18: Rio de Janeiro prison officer investigated for child grooming allegations A Rio de Janeiro prison officer is under investigation for allegedly attempting to groom a 12-year-old girl through messages and meeting invitations. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-de-janeiro-prison-officer-investigated-for-child-grooming-allegations ### 2026-08-31: Rio de Janeiro convict investigated for rape after prison furlough Convicted criminal Wansther Jorge Silva Damasceno is under investigation for raping a teenager in Rio de Janeiro three days after being released on a prison furlough. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-de-janeiro-convict-investigated-for-rape-after-prison-furlough --- Cite as: Criminal investigations in Rio de Janeiro penal system. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/criminal-investigations-in-rio-de-janeiro-penal-system