Brazilian Woman Convicted of Faking Child Identity

A Brazilian woman named Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira was convicted this week for living with a foster family for over a year under the guise of being a child. Authorities revealed that Oliveira, who is actually 37 years old, was found guilty of fraud and false identity. The Court of Justice of Santa Catarina, Brazil, released the information in a translated statement.

Oliveira convinced the family to accept her as their daughter for 14 months until her deception was discovered. She claimed to have escaped abuse before joining the foster family.

Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira has been convicted of fraud and false identity according to the Campo Grande Civil Police.

The court confirmed that Oliveira admitted to fabricating her identity and age. Reports from the Washington Post noted that she maintained this false child persona for 15 years through elaborate deception, using a high-pitched voice and alleging she had to take hormones to appear older.

Her sentence includes a prison term of one year, six months, and 10 days, along with four months and 18 days of detention. Lúcio Sousa, one of Oliveira’s attorneys, commented on the case, stating that her charade was a method of survival.

“She admits that she invented an identity,” Sousa said prior to the verdict, according to the Post. “It was the way she found to survive. But she has been a vulnerable person for over 20 years.”

Sousa emphasized that no charges of financial misconduct like robbery or theft were laid, suggesting the necessary components of fraud might not be present.

Oliveira expressed regret for her actions, mentioning that she never intended harm. According to a police report, she said, “Of course, I deceived people, I lied, but I didn’t intend to scam anyone.”

“There was a certain void in me, a need to have that kind of care, so I always sought it out,” Oliveira explained, reflecting on her longing for love due to a troubled childhood.

After the sentencing, Sousa announced on Instagram that they would explore all legal channels and appeal to higher courts.