Elderly Man Arrested for Alleged Assault at Venezuelan Shelter

A disturbing incident has shaken the Rondon 5 shelter in Boa Vista, Roraima, where a 70-year-old man was taken into custody. The arrest followed allegations that he sexually assaulted a 4-year-old girl within the facility designated for Venezuelan migrants.

The situation unfolded rapidly on a Monday afternoon, prompting immediate intervention by shelter staff and law enforcement. The case highlights the vulnerabilities present in temporary housing facilities and the critical need for robust safety protocols.

The alleged assault occurred during the routine food distribution period at the shelter. According to authorities, the young girl became separated from her mother momentarily, a gap in supervision that led to the tragic event.

Upon realizing her daughter was missing, the mother alerted the shelter's protection team. A search was launched immediately, leading to the discovery of the child sleeping in a dormitory housing three elderly residents. One of those residents was identified as Felix Rafael Arias Garcia, the 70-year-old suspect.

The child was promptly removed from the location and taken for specialized care. She underwent an examination at the Instituto de Medicina Legal to document the alleged abuse. Additionally, she received psychological support from the technical team at the shelter.

Following the discovery, the Polícia Civil was contacted and arrived at the scene to secure evidence. Felix Rafael Arias Garcia was arrested in flagrante delicto on the same day the incident was reported.

During initial questioning, the suspect reportedly denied the accusations. However, he later exercised his right to remain silent during the formal interrogation process.

The legal proceedings moved quickly, with the suspect scheduled for a custody hearing the following day. The investigation remains active as authorities continue to gather testimony and evidence regarding the circumstances of the assault.

Operação Acolhida, the organization managing the shelter, released an official statement expressing profound dismay over the allegations. The organization emphasized that the shelter team acted immediately upon learning of the child's disappearance.

We express our deepest repugnance and indignation before the grave case of suspected rape of a vulnerable individual. Our thoughts and solidarity are with the child victim and her family in this moment of pain and fragility.

The statement further clarified that the shelter staff located the child and provided necessary initial support before alerting police, which led to the arrest. Operação Acolhida reiterated its unwavering commitment to the protection and dignity of all residents, specifically noting that children and adolescents are their highest priority.

The Rondon 5 shelter is part of a larger network of temporary housing solutions for Venezuelan migrants in the southern zone of Boa Vista. These facilities often house large numbers of people in close quarters, presenting unique security challenges.

Operação Acolhida stressed that acts of violence, particularly against the most vulnerable, are "absolutely intolerable" and contrary to the humanitarian values guiding their mission. The organization continues to provide support to the victim's family and is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.

The case now moves into the judicial phase, where the evidence will be evaluated to determine the legal consequences for the accused. The custody hearing marks the first step in a process that will seek to deliver justice for the young victim.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and security measures in shelters hosting vulnerable populations. As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on the well-being and recovery of the child involved.