A Brazilian actor arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a five-year-old autistic boy at a children's birthday party told people who found him with the alleged victim that he thought he was with his girlfriend.
Incident at birthday party
The alleged incident happened at a property in the Goiabal neighbourhood of Pindamonhangaba, in São Paulo state, south-eastern Brazil, during the early hours of Sunday, August 2.
Marco Furlan, who became known for playing Heitor in the TV Globo series Aline and has also appeared in Mulher de Fases, Carrossel, Desencontros and advertising campaigns for major brands, was arrested at the scene.
Mother's account
According to the police report, the child's mum had left her son asleep in one of the bedrooms while guests attended the party elsewhere on the property. She told investigators she heard screams coming from the room and ran to investigate. The mother alleged she found her son and Furlan naked inside the bedroom.
According to the report, the child complained of pain and was taken for medical treatment. Witness statements collected by the Civil Police supported the mother's account.
Witness statements
One witness told investigators they heard the boy shouting: "Stop, it hurts," before running to the bedroom. The same witness alleged they saw Furlan beside the child when they entered the room. Another witness claimed they found the boy's mother in a state of shock immediately afterwards.
Police officers who responded to the incident said Furlan initially claimed he had entered the room after feeling unwell and had mistaken the child for his girlfriend. Furlan's explanation was later questioned by investigators, who noted that his active Tinder profile listed him as single and that he was reportedly unaccompanied at the party.
Arrest and charges
Later, while at the police station and accompanied by lawyers, he reportedly said he had been drinking beer during the party and could not remember what had happened, recalling only being placed in the police vehicle.
The investigating police chief said the accounts given by the mother, witnesses and responding officers were consistent and provided sufficient grounds to arrest and charge him with the offence of rape of a vulnerable person under Brazilian law.
Medical examinations reportedly showed injuries compatible with sexual violence. Furlan's arrest in flagrante was later converted into pretrial detention following a custody hearing on Monday (August 3).
The São Paulo Public Security Secretariat confirmed the case had been registered at Pindamonhangaba Police Station and said the suspect remained at the disposal of the courts, while further details were being withheld because the case involves a minor.
Investigation continues
The Civil Police investigation is continuing under judicial secrecy. At the time of publication, local media reported they had been unable to obtain comment from Furlan's legal representatives.
