Civil Police – Photo: rafaelnlins / Shutterstock.com
A woman from Imbituba, in southern Santa Catarina, Brazil, is under investigation by the Civil Police for stalking and defaming a priest from Nova Veneza after her romantic advances were rejected. The Operation Pax Mentis, launched on Friday, August 1, 2025, led to the seizure of three cell phones used to send defamatory messages and content. The suspect, whose name was not disclosed, met the priest while seeking spiritual guidance at the Nova Veneza Sanctuary, but her unreciprocated feelings triggered a year-long campaign of defamation. Her actions included sending audio messages and texts with false accusations of sexual misconduct and immoral behavior, as well as manipulating screenshots. The investigation continues to identify the devices used and determine further legal steps.
The case gained attention in cities like Nova Veneza, Imbituba, and Criciúma, where the woman frequently traveled, covering about 100 kilometers, to approach the priest. The Civil Police confirmed no romantic relationship existed, and the suspect’s accusations aimed to tarnish the priest’s reputation, particularly on social media.
- Suspect’s actions: Sent messages and audios with serious false accusations.
- Locations involved: Nova Veneza Sanctuary and parishes in Criciúma.
- Investigation: Analysis of seized phones to trace the origin of the content.
Origin of the harassment and case background
The investigation began after reports surfaced of the woman’s defamatory actions following her rejection. According to delegate Márcio Neves, who is leading the case, the suspect met the priest while seeking spiritual support at the Nova Veneza Sanctuary, a prominent religious site in the region. From this encounter, she developed an unreciprocated romantic interest that escalated into obsessive behavior.
Residing in Imbituba, the woman repeatedly traveled to Nova Veneza and Criciúma to get closer to the priest. Her attempts evolved into sending messages not only to the priest but also to other clergy and local businesspeople connected to the Criciúma Diocese. These messages falsely accused the priest of immoral acts, including orgies and sexual misconduct, causing significant distress within the religious community.
The case underscores how unrequited feelings can lead to extreme behavior, particularly when amplified through social media. The woman’s defamation campaign extended to public platforms, including comments on videos of masses and rosaries, amplifying the accusations and affecting the priest’s reputation.
Specific actions by the suspect
The woman employed various tactics to damage the priest’s image. The Civil Police documented that her defamatory messages were not limited to private communications but also appeared on public social media platforms. Below are some of the documented actions:
- Sent audio and text messages accusing the priest of sexual and immoral acts.
- Manipulated screenshots to fabricate evidence against the priest.
- Commented defamatory content on religious videos, such as masses and rosaries.
- Targeted other priests and church-affiliated businesspeople with her messages.
- Used multiple channels to spread accusations and maximize their reach.
These actions were classified by the police as stalking, defamation, and psychological harassment. The suspect’s systematic approach, including the use of manipulated screenshots, indicated a deliberate intent to deceive and harm the priest’s reputation. The police are now examining the three seized cell phones to determine which were used in the criminal activities.
Operation Pax Mentis and next steps
The Operation Pax Mentis, conducted by the Santa Catarina Civil Police, aimed to gather evidence against the suspect. Carried out in Imbituba, the operation resulted in the seizure of three new cell phones, which are undergoing forensic analysis to identify the content and source of the defamatory messages. Delegate Márcio Neves stated that the investigation is ongoing, with the suspect scheduled for formal questioning after the technical analysis is complete.
The operation, named Pax Mentis (Latin for “peace of mind”), reflects the psychological toll on the priest and the religious community. While discreet, the police action drew attention in Nova Veneza and Criciúma, where the priest serves.
- Operation goal: Collect material evidence of stalking and defamation crimes.
- Seized items: Three new cell phones, potentially used for sending messages.
- Next steps: Forensic analysis and suspect interrogation.
- Case outcome: The investigation will be forwarded to the Santa Catarina Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The suspect has not been arrested, but the seizure of the devices marks a critical step in clarifying the case. The investigation will be sent to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which will decide on formal charges and potential penalties.
Impact on the religious community
The case shocked the Catholic community in Nova Veneza, home to the renowned Nossa Senhora de Caravaggio Sanctuary, a major pilgrimage site in southern Brazil. The defamation campaign against the priest sparked discussions about the privacy of religious figures and the role of social media in spreading false information.
The Criciúma Diocese, while not issuing an official statement, has shown support for the priest, who continues his pastoral duties. The local community expressed outrage over the accusations, particularly given the priest’s respected role in the region.
The situation also raised broader concerns about the ethical use of social media. The ease of spreading defamatory content on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp amplified the accusations, impacting not only the priest but also the community’s trust in its religious leaders.
Legal and social implications
Stalking and defamation are crimes under Brazil’s Penal Code. The 2021 Law 14.132, which defines stalking, may apply to this case, carrying penalties of six months to two years in detention, plus fines. Defamation, under Article 139, can result in up to one year of detention.
The ongoing investigation aims to assess the full extent of the harm caused to the priest and the community. Beyond psychological damage, the defamation campaign may have lasting effects on the priest’s reputation, even if the accusations are proven false.
- Crimes under investigation: Stalking, defamation, and psychological harassment.
- Potential penalties: Up to two years for stalking and one year for defamation.
- Victim impact: Psychological harm and reputational damage.
- Prevention: Importance of reporting harassment and monitoring social media use.
The case highlights the need for greater awareness about responsible social media use. The spread of false information can cause irreparable harm, particularly when targeting public or religious figures.
Preventive measures and victim support
Experts recommend that victims of stalking or defamation report incidents to authorities immediately. Complaints can be filed at specialized police stations or through online channels, such as the Santa Catarina Civil Police website. Preserving evidence, such as messages and screenshots, is crucial for supporting investigations.
The priest, whose identity remains undisclosed, is receiving support from the Criciúma Diocese and the local community. The Catholic Church has emphasized the importance of protecting its members from personal attacks, particularly in an era of increasing online polarization.
The investigation under Operation Pax Mentis remains confidential, but there is anticipation that the forensic analysis will shed light on the suspect’s motives and methods. Meanwhile, the Nova Veneza community awaits further developments, hoping for justice and the restoration of truth.
