A 28-year-old woman has been arrested after she allegedly impersonated a high school student and enrolled in classes at a New York City school.
Kacy Claassen enrolled at Westchester Square Academy in the Bronx on April 13 under the name “Shamara Rashad.” She used a birthdate that would make her 16 years old and said she had moved to New York with her sister from Ohio, according to a criminal complaint obtained by News 12.
Questions emerged about Claassen’s identity after the school’s principal discovered a Facebook page with her photo and a different birthday, according to the report.
Claassen, who also lives in the Bronx, later admitted her real name and age to the principal, claiming her friend had forced her to lie so she could receive public assistance benefits.
She was arrested Monday afternoon on the campus of Herbert H. Lehman High School, the location of six schools, including Westchester Square Academy.
Claassen was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, criminal impersonation, possession of a forged instrument and criminal trespassing, the NYPD told The Independent.
In a statement to The Independent, New York City Public Schools said that "enrollment fraud is a serious crime that fundamentally undermines New York City Public School values. The NYPD is actively investigating these allegations and will pursue all appropriate legal action against those responsible."
Students on the Bronx campus shared their shock with News 12 over the discovery, with one telling the news station, “That really puts a danger to our school.”
Another student added: “This is insane. I don’t know how they let her in. She’s 30 years old, she looks 16, guys. Be careful, and check IDs.”
Claassen had no prior criminal record.
She is not currently in custody, but is due back in court on June 15.
