Athletico Player Léo Derik Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Rape

Léo Derik, a 21-year-old left-back for Athletico-PR, was sentenced to 13 years in prison in a closed regime by the 2º Juizado de Violência Doméstica e Familiar contra a Mulher de Curitiba, according to reports from outlets including Lance and Terra. Judge Paula Scheer handed down the decision on Tuesday, finding the player guilty of two counts of rape against an ex-companheira, though the athlete remains free to appeal the sentence in liberty.

Sentencing Details and Judicial Findings from Judge Paula Scheer

According to court documents cited by Terra and Lance, the judiciary established two individual penalties of six years and six months of reclusion. Judge Paula Scheer combined these terms due to the circumstances of the offenses, resulting in a total sentence of 13 years in initial closed prison. The court also ordered Léo Derik to pay a minimum indemnity of R$ 10 mil for each crime, totaling R$ 20 mil in moral damages to the victim. The legal proceedings remain under judicial secrecy, and the ruling represents a first-instance decision that is still subject to contestation by the defense, as noted by Lance.

The core of the conviction rested on the testimony of the victim. According to primary source excerpts, the first incident took place on December 16, 2023, when the player allegedly held the victim’s arms and covered her mouth to block resistance during a sexual act. The second episode occurred on February 4, 2024, where the player allegedly used slaps and a punch to the victim’s ribs to force sexual intercourse. In court, the victim stated, “I repeatedly asked the defendant to stop, but he remained on my body, forcing himself,” and added that she subsequently suffered anxiety and panic attacks that forced her to suspend her university studies. Judge Scheer characterized the victim’s account as firm and consistent from the initial investigation through the judicial hearing, overriding recommendations from prosecutors.

Prosecution Position and Defense Response

Despite the conviction, the Public Ministry (Ministério Público) had previously requested the acquittal of Léo Derik, pointing to discrepancies between presented versions and arguing that the record lacked sufficient elements for a guilty verdict, according to Lance. However, Judge Paula Scheer determined that the collective evidence gathered throughout the investigation and trial successfully established accountability.

The defense team expressed absolute surprise at the first-instance outcome. In statements reported by Terra, the defense emphasized that the prosecution itself had asked for an acquittal after hearing all witnesses. The legal representatives stated they will appeal the decision to the Court of Justice of Paraná (TJPR), arguing that the relations were entirely consensual and that publicizing a premature judgment of culpability undermines the presumption of innocence. While the appeal moves forward, the player retains the legal right to respond to the process in liberty.

Athletico-PR Club Response and Player Background

Athletico-PR released an official statement addressing the legal situation of their athlete. The club announced that it will not comment on the content of the case or the underlying discussions due to the ongoing judicial secrecy governing the process. The institution noted that the ruling is non-final, stating that the club takes no direct part in the proceedings and will respect the regular legal progression and guarantees until an eventual final resolution (trânsito em julgado).

Léo Derik emerged from the youth system at Athletico-PR’s CT do Caju, breaking into the professional squad in 2023. Prior to the sentencing, the 21-year-old defender accumulated 39 total appearances and one goal for the Paraná club, including 17 matches played during the recent season. He also represented the Brazil Under-20 national team during the 2025 World Cup campaign.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Léo Derik’s legal status following the conviction?

He was sentenced in the first instance to 13 years in prison in a closed regime, but he is permitted to appeal the decision in liberty while the case moves to higher courts, according to Lance and Terra.

How did the prosecution and the judge differ in their assessments?

The Public Ministry requested the player’s acquittal due to a perceived lack of sufficient evidence and version discrepancies. However, Judge Paula Scheer ruled that the victim’s consistent testimony and the collected investigative evidence sufficed for a conviction.

What is Athletico-PR’s official stance on the matter?

The club released a statement noting that it will not comment on the process because it operates under judicial secrecy. The organization emphasized that the ruling is subject to appeal and that it respects the legal guarantees of the athlete.