A Brazilian woman has been convicted of fraud after authorities say she spent more than a year posing as a 12-year-old foster child while she was actually in her late 30s.
Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira was convicted Thursday, Aug. 20, in Joinville, Santa Catarina, of fraud and using a false identity, according to a release from the Court of Justice of Santa Catarina.
The unusual case dates back to 2023, when Oliveira reportedly approached an organization that assists vulnerable children and presented herself as a 12-year-old with a history of abuse and health issues. She allegedly used a high-pitched voice to appear younger and eventually was placed with a family in Joinville.
Oliveira, who reportedly went by the name "Gabriel," remained with the family for approximately 14 months.
During that period, the family treated her "as a daughter," according to the court, paying for her housing, food, medication and other necessities. The court determined that Oliveira received a financial benefit from the deception because the family covered her living expenses.
The ruling also considered the emotional impact the ordeal had on the family.
Oliveira reportedly told those around her that she had autism and had undergone hormone treatments, which she claimed explained why she appeared older than 12. However, people eventually began noticing inconsistencies in her story, leading to questions about her actual identity.
She later admitted to authorities that she had lied about both her name and age. Authorities have also alleged that Oliveira was involved in similar schemes elsewhere in Brazil in previous years.
Oliveira was sentenced to roughly 18 months in prison in addition to approximately five months of detention under a semi-open prison regime.
Her attorney, Lúcio Sousa, has pushed back against the characterization of his client, describing Oliveira as a "vulnerable person" who had previously "lived on the streets." He also disputed the court's finding that the family suffered a financial loss by caring for her.
Following the conviction, Oliveira's legal team announced plans to challenge the ruling.
The attorneys said they disagree with the decision and intend to "pursue all appropriate legal measures and appeals before the higher courts."
Her legal team added that it would "continue tirelessly in its efforts to prove Amanda's innocence."
