Law Professor Convicted of Stalking Ex-Wife Temporarily Suspended from UFMT
Saulo Tarso Rodrigues, a law professor at the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), has been provisionally suspended from his duties following a criminal conviction for stalking his ex-partner. The university's rector, Marluce Aparecida Souza e Silva, signed a decree on Friday, May 24th, placing Rodrigues on leave without pay reduction pending the outcome of an internal investigation. The university has not disclosed the specific reasons for the suspension, and the professor has declined to comment. His gross monthly salary at UFMT is R$ 20.6 thousand. The suspension, detailed in Portaria Reitoria-UFMT nº 395/2026, can be lifted if the grounds for the precautionary measure cease to exist and will not be recorded in his personnel file. The administrative investigation's timeline remains undetermined.
Rodrigues was sentenced on Monday, May 21st, to 10 months and 15 days of imprisonment for domestic and gender-based violence. The Mato Grosso State Public Prosecutor's Office accused him of persistently emailing the victim between September and October 2022, despite her lack of consent. These messages, described as intimidating, demanded in-person meetings and indicated knowledge of her work schedule, causing her fear and emotional distress. The couple, who were together for 13 years and separated in 2017, had a history of alleged threats, including death threats and references to criminal organizations and suicide. Rodrigues' defense attempted to nullify the proceedings by challenging digital evidence and court procedures, but these efforts were rejected. He claims he was denied adequate defense and has appealed to the Superior Court of Justice (STJ). A Mato Grosso Court of Justice decision on June 3rd upheld the validity of service of process via WhatsApp, citing unequivocal confirmation of receipt and engagement with legal counsel.
This case highlights the intersection of academic integrity, legal accountability, and the handling of domestic violence allegations within public institutions. The temporary suspension of Professor Rodrigues, pending an internal investigation, reflects a procedural response to a criminal conviction. The university's actions, while necessary for due process and institutional reputation, also underscore the complexities of balancing an employee's rights with the need to maintain a safe and ethical environment. Future considerations for educational institutions may involve refining policies on handling such cases, ensuring robust investigative processes, and clarifying the criteria for administrative actions in light of legal proceedings. This situation prompts reflection on how universities can proactively address allegations of misconduct to uphold their educational mission and public trust, particularly in the evolving landscape of digital communication and its implications for legal evidence and personal safety.
AI-generated to prompt reflection — not editorial opinion, not advice, not a statement of fact. How this works.