Brazil Arrests 37-Year-Old for Posing as 12-Year-Old, Orders Psychiatric Evaluation
Updated
Updated · The Mirror · Jun 5
Brazil Arrests 37-Year-Old for Posing as 12-Year-Old, Orders Psychiatric Evaluation
3 articles · Updated · The Mirror · Jun 5
Summary
Joinville police arrested Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira, 37, on June 3 after finding she had lived with a couple for more than a year while posing as their 12-year-old adopted daughter.
Investigators said she used fake names, childlike behavior and stories of abuse and forced prostitution to win shelter and money from families, churches and social workers.
More than 200 needles found in her body helped trigger scrutiny, and medical staff confirmed her real age before police said she admitted posing as a child in several cities.
Police linked her to similar deceptions in at least seven Brazilian states, including prior detentions in Rio de Janeiro and Goias and an unserved false-identity conviction.
A judge ordered preventive detention and a psychiatric evaluation, leaving her in Joinville Women’s Prison as authorities assess the case and her mental condition.