In 2000, a Gaithersburg man was sentenced for keeping an in-house enslaved Brazilian woman for nearly two decades. Now, over 20 years later, even more details have emerged.
A recent Washington Post article delved into the story of Margarida Bonetti, the wife of the previously indicted Rene R. Bonetti. Margarida had been indicted alongside her husband but escaped to Brazil, her native country. Recently, Bonetti’s home has been discovered, attracting many Brazilians.
According to the Post article, Hilda Rosa dos Santos was beaten and tormented by Margarida for years. Dos Santos endured enslavement until 1998 when a neighbor helped her escape.
Brazilian laws protect Margarida from extradition, and as the Post article states, she has become an obsession for the entire country.
For more details, please refer to the information below.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/interactive/2023/margarida-bonetti-brazil-podcast-slavery/