WHEATON, Md. -- Following the arrest of a man on first-degree assault charges, Montgomery County police are seeking the public's help in the 2003 disappearance of the man's wife.

In July 2003, Montgomery County police received a report that Cynthia Ribeiro Braga, 32, of Wheaton, was missing. The last time she was seen or heard from was when she called her father in Brazil on June 30, police said. Her family was concerned because she spoke with her father every day.

In December, Montgomery County police received a report that Braga's husband, Roberto Ferreira Braga, physically assaulted his girlfriend in November, authorities said. An investigation revealed that Roberto Braga held a box cutter to his girlfriend's throat and then pushed her down and held a knife to her throat because he believed she was cheating on him. Police said he threatened that no one would ever find her body.

Roberto Braga told his girlfriend she would be sent back to her country if she told police. When the incident was reported, the woman told police he had assaulted her several times before, authorities said.

A warrant for Roberto Braga's arrest on a first-degree assault charge was obtained on Feb. 14, and he was arrested on March 10 and released on his own recognizance.

Police said they now have more reason to believe that foul play was involved in Cynthia Braga's disappearance.

"Right now, it's a missing persons case," said Lucille Baur, of Montgomery County police. "But we have the additional evidence that there could be foul play involved. We need the public's help to find out what happened to Cynthia Braga."

The Bragas lived at the Hughes House in Wheaton, a facility for people with mental or physical disabilities. Roberto Braga told police that the last time he saw his wife, the two fought and she left. Neighbors said Roberto Braga moved out a couple of days later.

According to court documents, Roberto Braga has a history of domestic violence with two previous wives, including threats to kill them and dispose their bodies.

Cynthia Braga is Brazilian, stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 120 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

Anyone with information about the case should call police at (240) 773-5530 or Crime Solvers at (866) 411-TIPS/8477.