37-Year-Old Woman Arrested for Pretending to Be 12 to Deceive Family

A 37-year-old woman was taken into custody by the Civil Police of Santa Catarina on Tuesday, June 2, following allegations that she deceived a family into providing her with a home under false pretenses. The suspect had reportedly lived with the family in the Pirabeiraba district of Joinville for 14 months, claiming to be a 12-year-old girl escaping abusive circumstances in Pará.

Did You Know? The suspect maintained her ruse by adopting infantile behaviors, which included the use of baby bottles, pacifiers, and a comfort object—referred to as a “cheirinho”—to help her sleep.

The Investigation and Arrest

Officers from the 6th Police Precinct of Joinville executed the arrest after uncovering the scheme. The woman, whose legal name remains undisclosed, operated under the alias “Gabriele.” To explain her physical appearance and maintain the deception, she allegedly claimed to be on the autism spectrum and asserted that she had been forced to take hormones during her childhood.

Authorities have confirmed that this is not an isolated incident. The investigation revealed that the suspect has a history of similar criminal activities across multiple Brazilian states, including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul, and Goiás. She currently faces suspicions of fraud and false identity.

Expert Insight: Cases involving long-term identity deception often hinge on the perpetrator’s ability to exploit the trust and empathy of the victims. The complexity of this situation, marked by the suspect’s history of alleged repeat offenses, suggests a calculated pattern of behavior designed to bypass social safeguards and manipulate familial support systems.

Legal Consequences and Outlook

Following her arrest, the woman provided a confession to the police. She has since been transferred to the Regional Prison of Joinville, where she remains at the disposal of the justice system.

As the legal process moves forward, the court will likely review her documented history of similar activities to determine the scope of her sentencing. Given the confession and the nature of the alleged crimes, prosecutors may seek to consolidate the various incidents across multiple states into a broader case, potentially resulting in extended legal proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What charges does the suspect face?

The woman is currently suspected of fraud and false identity.

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How long did the deception last?

The suspect lived with the family in Joinville for a period of 14 months before her arrest.

What explanation did the woman provide for her appearance?

She claimed to be on the autism spectrum and alleged that she had been forced to take hormones during her childhood.

How can families better protect themselves against sophisticated, long-term deceptions of this nature?