Police are investigating a 37-year-old woman accused of persuading a local family to take her in by posing as a 12-year-old who said she had fled abusive parents. According to police, the suspect used a false identity and told the family that she was the child seeking safety, leading them to “adopt” her in practice for about 14 months. The case centers on allegations that the woman deceived the family through the story of abuse and her claimed age, despite being an adult. Police also say the suspect had tried a similar scam before. Authorities are now assessing how the family was convinced and what checks, if any, were carried out during the period the arrangement lasted. The reports describe the suspect as having used the name “Gabriele” during the alleged deception. Police have not indicated that charges have been entered in the information provided, but they are pursuing the matter as a potential fraud and/or deception case involving a vulnerable scenario.