Nurse arrested for attempted baby abduction previously charged with fraud

A nursing technician in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, has been arrested for attempting to abduct a newborn from the Dona Evangelina Rosa Maternity Ward. The suspect, identified as Auricélia de Sousa Rocha, was previously indicted by the Civil Police of Piauí in March 2026 on suspicion of fraud. That investigation, handled by the 8th Precinct of Teresina, stemmed from allegations that Rocha had unauthorizedly used a relative's credit card for online purchases. The victim reported unrecognized transactions on their credit card statement, leading investigators to examine purchase documents. These documents linked online orders to Rocha, with deliveries addressed to the victim. Rocha denied the fraud allegations, claiming she used the card only once with permission for a specific purchase and typically used other payment methods online. The police concluded there was sufficient evidence to indict her for fraud, though the case has not yet been judged.

In the recent incident, the newborn's aunt, Daniela Beatriz, reported that she found her niece inside the suspect's bag, partially unzipped. The suspect, disguised as a maternity nurse, offered to facilitate essential newborn tests, then directed the aunt to another floor while the mother recovered. The aunt became suspicious, followed the suspect, and discovered the baby in the bag. The suspect had changed her appearance and was attempting to leave. Police later found a nursery prepared in Rocha's home, complete with diapers, clothes, a bathtub, and a crib. Relatives reportedly believed Rocha was pregnant, though she had not provided medical proof. Rocha's defense claims she has schizophrenia and is on psychiatric medication, impairing her understanding of the events. However, the lead detective stated the investigation does not currently consider mental insanity as a factor that would absolve her of responsibility, believing she acted alone.