Prison Chief Swaps Inmates for Family

The director of a Brazilian prison exchanged five dangerous criminals for seven family members of his, who had been kidnapped by a gang that wanted its comrades freed.

Police in Araraquara, a town about 155 miles northwest of Sao Paulo, said that the director, Leandro Pereira, had freed the prisoners after making his own decision and that it was unclear whether he would face charges.

Police said the gang captured the director’s family--his father, mother, wife and children, on Saturday--and later told Pereira to bring the prisoners they named to a meeting spot.