A 38-year-old Brazilian woman has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for a long-running scam in which she impersonated an autistic 12-year-old girl. Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira preyed on kind-hearted individuals, including church members and charity volunteers, by fabricating tragic stories to gain their trust and care.
Oliveira, who adopted the persona of a child named 'Duda' or 'Emily,' convinced victims she was an orphan who had fled an abusive father. She claimed to have severe autism and in some cases, asserted she was a victim of voodooistic rituals. Her deceptions often included demands for dolls, toys, baby bottles, and undivided attention. Some victims provided her with shelter for extended periods, with one couple housing her for over a year.
One victim, Viviane Henriques, a social project director, and her associate, pediatric nutritionist Renata Magalhaes, described spending a month with Oliveira. They rented her an apartment and took turns caring for her. Oliveira exhibited manipulative behavior, attempting to sow discord between Henriques and Magalhaes. She also feigned seizures and autistic breakdowns when her demands were not met. During her stay, Oliveira presented wounds with staples embedded in them, claiming they were a result of black magic rituals. An X-ray later revealed over 200 needles and keyrings inside her body, a phenomenon that remains unexplained.
Another victim, Tatiane da Silva, a teacher, became involved with Oliveira through an online prayer group. Oliveira posed as 'Emily,' a hospitalized teenager with leukemia. Da Silva became so invested that she had 'Emily' tattooed on her wrist, alongside her own children's names. This deception was eventually uncovered when another group member observed 'Emily' using her supposedly amputated arm during a livestream.
Oliveira's elaborate deceptions were traced back to 2010. In a case from last year in Santa Catarina, a couple who had taken her in for 14 months eventually became suspicious. A relative discovered online reports of a similar case involving the same woman, leading to an investigation.
Upon her arrest, police found evidence on Oliveira's phone suggesting she had researched 'how an autistic person behaves.' She admitted to investigators that lying had become a 'way of life,' but claimed it stemmed from a need for affection denied in her childhood. Her lawyer maintains that Oliveira did not seek financial gain and is destitute.
Court documents indicate Oliveira was born in May 1988 and adopted as an infant. She claims her adoptive father abused her, leading to self-harm and her departure from home at 18. Her adoptive family denies abuse allegations and states she exhibited disturbing behaviors from a young age.
A judge rejected Oliveira's defense of mental illness, finding her of sound mind. However, a psychiatrist involved in her case suggested she might have borderline personality disorder, while her lawyer noted a previous report hinting at Munchausen syndrome. Investigators believe there may be additional, undiscovered victims.
Despite the 18-month sentence, Oliveira could be released soon due to prison overcrowding and the fact this is her first conviction. Victims expressed fear that she will continue her pattern of deception, with one stating, 'She is an extremely needy person, she will do anything to get attention.'