In a case that has shocked the state of Maranhão, a military police officer has turned himself in to authorities after being implicated in a violent assault on a pregnant domestic worker. The officer, identified as Michael Bruno Lopes Santos, is accused of participating in the attack at the behest of his employer, Carolina Sthela Ferreira dos Anjos.
The victim, a 19-year-old woman who is five months pregnant, described a harrowing ordeal of prolonged physical abuse. She reported being subjected to punches, kicks, and having her hair pulled, with the attackers showing no regard for her condition. The assault allegedly began after the employer accused her of stealing a piece of jewelry, which was later found in a laundry basket.
According to the victim's testimony, the violence continued even after the missing item was located. She stated that she was threatened with death if she reported the incident to the police. The employer, Carolina Sthela, was arrested in the neighboring state of Piauí after initially evading authorities.
Audio recordings obtained by investigators and media outlets reveal the employer's own account of the brutal attack. In one message, she allegedly stated the victim "wasn't supposed to have come out alive." The recordings also describe the involvement of an armed man who came to the house to assist in the assault.
The case has led to the suspension of four military police officers who initially responded to the incident. This action came after audio evidence suggested the employer avoided being taken to the police station because she knew one of the responding officers. The officer allegedly told her that due to the victim's visible injuries, she should have been arrested.
Further investigation revealed the employer has a history of legal troubles, including a previous conviction for falsely accusing a former babysitter of theft. The victim in the current case reported working nearly 10-hour days for minimal pay, accumulating various household duties.
The police officer, Michael Bruno Lopes Santos, now faces preventive detention as ordered by the courts. He is also under investigation by the Military Police Internal Affairs department. The case is being handled as one of aggravated torture, bodily harm, threats, and defamation by the local bar association.
Based on reporting from g1.