Joinville woman convicted for posing as 12-year-old to defraud family

Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira, a 38-year-old woman, has been convicted by the Court of Justice of Santa Catarina for fraud and false identity. She successfully posed as a 12-year-old girl named Gabriele for approximately 14 months, during which time she was taken in by a family in Joinville and treated as their daughter.

To maintain the deception, investigators found that Souza de Oliveira used an infantilized voice, children's toys, and even baby bottles. She claimed to be a vulnerable teenager who had fled abuse and faced health issues, including autism. This narrative allowed her to secure housing, food, medical care, and other financial support from the family.

The court sentenced her to one year, six months, and 10 days of imprisonment, plus four months and 18 days of detention, to be served in a semi-open regime. The judge also maintained her preventive detention, denying her the right to appeal while free. While the prosecution sought conviction based on evidence from cell phone forensics and witness testimony, the defense argued that Souza de Oliveira suffers from psychiatric conditions and requires specialized treatment.