Cape Cod Man Convinced Woman To Come To US For Work. He Now Faces Human Trafficking Charge

YARMOUTH, MA — A Hyannis man faces human trafficking and rape charges after police say he lured a woman from Brazil to Cape Cod.

Agnaldo Moreida Da Cruz, 28, of Hyannis, was arrested on Friday and charged with trafficking a person for forced service and aggravated rape during the commission of a felony. He was taken arraigned on Friday and is held without bail.

A dangerousness hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

Police said Moreida lured a 23-year-old Brazilian woman to the United States on the false pretense that she would have employment and a place to stay in Cape Cod.

Late in 2022 and early in 2023, Moreida allegedly contacted the victim in Brazil and urged her to come to the United States. Through promises of employment and a private bedroom at his residence in Yarmouth, Moreida convinced the 23-year-old Brazilian female victim to come to America, police said.

Moreida allegedly facilitated the victim's travel out of Brazil, through Central America, and into Mexico, where he instructed her to cross the border into Arizona and get apprehended. This is the same crossing Moreida made a few years ago, police said.

After being detained in Arizona, the victim contacted Moreida who facilitated her travel from Arizona to Yarmouth. After arriving in Yarmouth, the victim realized Moreida's promises about employment and her private bedroom were false, police said.

The victim was allowed minimal communication with anyone but Moreida, who assaulted her and made threats against her and her family. Moreida also allegedly tried to extort the victim and her family, police said.

Police said the victim was able to flee Moderida's residence in Yarmouth and reported the incident to the Quincy Police.