Iowa Grandma Charged After Wearing Disguise, Fake Beard to Sneak Into Grandson's High School

School officials told police the boy’s parents do not want any contact between their son and his estranged grandmother

An Iowa grandmother faces charges after she wore a disguise to sneak into her grandson’s school, according to police.

Gloria Laniece Bryan, 66, has been charged with third-degree harassment and trespassing.

Police said the first time Bryan showed up unannounced to Iowa City High School was in the middle of September. She was soon after discovered, asked to leave and given a warning by responding officers.

School officials told police the boy’s parents do not want any contact between their son and his estranged grandmother.

Just over a month later, on Oct. 20, Bryan returned wearing a "costume." According to police reports, she disguised herself by dressing as an elderly man with a fake beard and walker before making her way to the school’s cafeteria, where she found her grandson having lunch.

School surveillance footage shows Bryan approaching her grandson and giving him candy and a toy before she being recognized by staff and fleeing.

Bryan later admitted her actions to officers, according to police, and said she had driven four hours from her home to visit her grandson because she was "desperate to see him."

The boy’s mother is seeking a protection order for fear that Bryan will abduct the boy, according to police reports.

It is unclear if Bryan has legal representation.

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