Cocoa woman arrested by FDLE for grand theft in adoption fraud case

COCOA, Fla. — The Florida Department of Law Enforcement says it arrested April Stormy Norris, 33, of Cocoa for adoption fraud after she offered to give up her unborn child and then cut off communication with the adoptive parents once her child was born.

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According to FDLE, Norris was working with an adoption agency and a couple to adopt her unborn child.

The investigation started in March when FDLE and the Rockledge Police Department first received information that Norris may be involved in adoption fraud.

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Norris received $11,362 from the couple to help with the pregnancy and other living expenses and investigators say she used the money for baby supplies, all while telling others she did not intend to give up the child.

Investigators say Norris stopped communicating with the adoption agency and the couple shortly before the child was born and even changed doctors and hospitals before giving birth.

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The adoption agency and the couple continued to provide assistance, even after the child was born.

It is estimated that Norris received nearly $15,000 during her pregnancy from the agency and couple.

Norris is being held in the Brevard County Jail.

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