Brazilian entrepreneur and police officer indicted for torturing pregnant domestic worker

The Public Prosecutor's Office of Maranhão filed criminal charges against entrepreneur Carolina Sthela Ferreira dos Anjos, 36, and police officer Michael Bruno Lopes Santos for torturing a 19‑year‑old domestic worker, Samara Regina Dutra Soares, who was six months pregnant. The alleged abuse occurred on 17 April in Paço do Lumiar, a suburb of São Luís. After accusing the employee of stealing a ring – later found in a laundry basket – the accused subjected her to a prolonged session of physical and psychological violence, including blows, hair‑pulling, a gun‑point threat, and an attempted forced confession. Santos allegedly fired a pistol butt into the victim’s forehead, while Carolina reportedly struck the woman repeatedly, later stating in a seized audio recording, “Dei tanto nessa mulher que até hoje minha mão tá aqui inchada.” The victims were forced to kneel and protect their abdomen to shield the fetus. Both suspects are in preventive detention, and the indictment, signed by prosecutor Nahyma Ribeiro Abas, requests a jury trial and the continuation of their custody.

The case has drawn significant public attention in Brazil, highlighting concerns over domestic‑worker abuse, violence against women, and the treatment of pregnant employees. Evidence includes forensic body‑damage reports, loss of hearing in the victim, and two audio recordings captured by the civil police. The prosecution argues the incident demonstrates a severe breach of criminal law and basic human rights, urging further investigative measures.