A woman in Brazil has been convicted for living with a foster family as a child while she was actually 37 years old. Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira was found guilty of fraud and misrepresenting her identity this past Thursday, according to a statement from the Court of Justice in Santa Catarina.
Oliveira lived with the family for 14 months, convincing them she had escaped from an abusive situation. It was later discovered that she had fabricated her identity and age, creating an elaborate deception that lasted over 15 years. Reports indicate she used a high-pitched voice and claimed to have taken hormones to appear younger.
In the court’s decision, Oliveira received a sentence of one year and six months in prison, along with additional detention time. Her lawyer explained that Oliveira’s actions were a way for her to survive, stating that she has been vulnerable for many years and has even lived on the streets. The lawyer emphasized that there was no evidence to suggest she gained financially or committed theft during her time with the family.
Oliveira admitted to deceiving people but claimed she did not intend to hurt anyone. She expressed a desire to experience the love she felt she missed as a child, saying, “There was a certain void in me, a need to have that kind of care.”
Following the judge’s ruling, Oliveira’s legal team announced plans to appeal the verdict in higher courts.
