Arrested since 2019 for the murder of councilor Marielle Franco and driver Anderson Gomes, retired military police officer Ronnie Lessa was convicted of the firearm trade charge on account of 117 pieces of rifles seized on the day of his arrest, three years ago. The penalty was set at 13 years and 6 months in prison.
In the decision of the Court of Justice of Rio de Janeiro (TJ-RJ), the “circumstances, motives and consequences” of the crime were qualified as “extremely” burdensome.
The pieces that held Lessa contribute to making vulnerable to “public safety, bringing great fear and social insecurity to our State, already so affected by the militia and drug trafficking, the main recipients of the collected objects”, says another excerpt.
The decision also highlights that the case has become the largest seizure of rifles in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
The Public Ministry of the State of Rio de Janeiro (MPRJ) confirmed that it obtained the conviction through the Special Action Group to Combat Organized Crime (GAECO/MPRJ).
Alexandre Motta de Souza, who had also been denounced by the MP as the owner of the residence where the weapons were found, was acquitted by Justice.
THE CNN contacted Ronnie Lessa’s defense and awaits a response.
On the charge of murdering the councilwoman, the retired PM will face a popular jury.
Source: CNN Brasil
