Pele's Son Edinho Arrested and Jailed After Money-Laundering Appeal Fails

Edinho, the son of Brazilian soccer great Pele, has been arrested after losing his appeal in a court case that placed him in the middle of a money-laundering operation.

Edinho—full name Edson Cholbi do Nascimento—was sentenced to 33 years in prison earlier this year, but after losing his appeal, The Associated Press (h/t ESPN FC) reports he now faces serving the full term in jail.

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Since his initial sentencing in June, the 44-year-old was permitted freedom pending his appeal, but Judge Suzana Pereira says he must now go to prison. 

Edinho has the option of an appeal to a higher court should he attempt once again to reduce his sentence. Brazil legend Pele is yet to comment on his son's latest arrest, but Edinho's lawyers have made a request to see their client's immediate release, per the aforementioned report.

Unlike his previous arrest, however, Edinho must now remain jailed throughout any further appeal. He is alleged to have been involved with a ring of criminals who made money through drug trafficking.

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In a similar instance, Edinho was arrested in 2005 after allegedly becoming involved in a Santos drug ring. Pele commented on his son's appeal for freedom in 2006, per BBC News: "God willing, justice will be done. There is not a shred of evidence against my son."

Tuesday's rejection would appear to suggest the Brazilian court has since found otherwise, and ex-Santos goalkeeper Edinho now faces the prospect of serious time in prison.

Both ESPN and BBC reports quote Edinho saying he has used drugs following his retirement from professional football, and Edinho has even referred to himself as a "drug addict."

There's no estimation as of yet regarding how long Edinho's next appeal, should he wish to make one, could last.