In a case that has drawn national attention, Brazilian businesswoman Carolina Sthela Ferreira dos Anjos was arrested on Thursday morning in Teresina, Piauí. Her arrest follows a warrant issued by the Maranhão court for the alleged assault and torture of a 19-year-old domestic worker who was five months pregnant at the time of the attack.
The victim's harrowing account details a brutal ordeal. She reported being subjected to continuous physical violence, including punches, kicks, and having her hair pulled. During the assault, she desperately tried to protect her abdomen. The attack allegedly began after the employer accused her of stealing a piece of jewelry, which was later found in a laundry basket. Even after the item was located, the violence reportedly continued.
According to the victim's testimony, a man, described as tall, strong, and dark-skinned, also participated in the assault. He allegedly arrived at the residence armed to intimidate and harm the young woman. The victim stated she was threatened with death if she reported the incident to the police.
Audio recordings, reportedly sent by Carolina Sthela herself and obtained by TV Mirante, have been added to the investigation. In one message, she allegedly states the victim "wasn't supposed to have come out alive." The recordings describe the prolonged attack, mentioning slaps, punches, and stepping on the victim's fingers.
The case has also led to the suspension of four military police officers. This action came after audio recordings surfaced in which Carolina Sthela allegedly claimed she was not taken to the police station because she knew one of the responding officers. The officer reportedly told her that due to the victim's bruises, she should have been taken into custody.
Further investigation revealed that Carolina Sthela has over ten legal cases pending against her. In a 2024 case, she was convicted of slander for falsely accusing a former nanny of theft. The victim in the current case reported working nearly 10-hour days, six days a week, for a salary of R$750 for just over two weeks of work, accumulating multiple household duties.
The Maranhão branch of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) has classified the crimes as aggravated torture, in addition to bodily harm, threats, and slander. The governor of Maranhão, Carlos Brandão, confirmed the arrest. Carolina Sthela's defense attorney stated her client will respond to the charges and comply with judicial measures.
Based on reporting from g1.