The Public Ministry of Rio de Janeiro requested the conviction of Paulo Roberto Silva y Souzafounder of Igreja Céu do Mar, in São Conrado, accused of sexual violation through fraud against his former assistant, lawyer Jéssica Nascimento de Souza.
Apparently murdered by the promoter Flávia Abido Alves, the accusation is considered proven to be material and authorship of the crime during the hearing held in January. The requested penalty varies from three years of imprisonment, with aggravating factors due to the hierarchical position of the victim and the work relationship maintained with the victim.
According to the complaint, the abuses occur in the context of alleged therapeutic and spiritual practices conducted by Paulo Roberto, who is a psychologist. The victim, who sought protection from depression in the religious congregation, suffered psychological manipulation and sexual abuse during individual sessions, including the use of psychoactive substances provided by the leader. A promotion highlights that a relationship of spiritual and work power makes any free consent impossible on Jéssica’s part.
The accusation also highlights that the case is not isolated: at least six women report suffering similar religious abuses, some during the sessions \”healing therapies\” or \”bioenergetic therapies\”. An open letter from an American, published in December 2025, describes rape and humiliation, also mentioning an email in which the accused asked for forgiveness for \”deviations\” attributed to spiritual influences. The Regional Psychological Council of Rio has registered a complaint against the professional.
The MP’s request argues that there is abuse of trust and authority, with repeated and fraudulent practices. In defense of Paulo Roberto he attempted to suppress one of the evidence presented, on the allegation that it had been included after the legal period.