A man convicted of raping a 13-year-old girl in Brazil has fled to the United States. Reports indicate that he was living in a daycare center in Massachusetts.
Andretia Golucas, the offender, is noted to have two children and operated a home daycare. He escaped Brazil after being sentenced to over nine years in prison in 2016, as stated by immigration and customs enforcement.
In October, federal immigration agents apprehended him in Cape Cod.
Concerns have been raised about his presence in Massachusetts, especially given his past. Locals worry that a convicted rapist could blend into the community, particularly since he was living in a home that served as a daycare for children.
Following the discovery, the daycare was shut down, and its owner, Franciere Nunes, allowed her license to expire.
The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care had issued a license for the daycare in March 2022 and conducted five inspections, but reported no findings regarding Golucas living there. It’s unclear how long he stayed.
The department requires background checks for individuals living in or frequently visiting home care facilities. However, it seems that if they had known about Golucas, it wouldn’t have triggered any alarms, since checks don’t typically cover overseas criminal histories or immigration statuses.
The agency learned of the link between Golucas and the daycare only after his arrest.
State Assemblyman Stephen Sialhos has expressed worries about how well the state ensures the safety of children in local daycare facilities after examining Golucas’s background.
“There’s a lack of thoroughness when it comes to safety checks,” Sialhos remarked. “Parents trust these places with their children, yet we risk putting them in danger.” He emphasized the innocence of children and the significant responsibility placed on caregivers.
