Santa Catarina Orelha case investigation controversy

The Orelha case investigation in Florianópolis has faced scrutiny regarding how information was disclosed to the public. Ulisses Gabriel, the former General Director of the Civil Police of Santa Catarina, admitted to errors in the investigation process, specifically acknowledging that a press conference was held prematurely.

Families of those involved in the case criticized this admission, stating that the “precipitated and excessive exposure” caused irreparable damage, including threats, business closures, and social embarrassment for adolescents. They also noted the death of a family member, Tony Marcos de Souza, following the incident.

In a subsequent legal development, a judge in Florianópolis ruled that Gabriel did not commit administrative misconduct. The ruling addressed allegations from the Public Ministry of Santa Catarina that Gabriel used the investigation to gain political visibility for an electoral campaign. The court found no evidence that he used public funds for personal promotion or claimed individual ownership of the investigative results, noting that his actions referred to the institutional activities of the Civil Police.