28-year-old woman attends NYC high school posing as teen student but social media profile gives her away: cops – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
The Bronx, New York – A 28-year-old Bronx woman attended classes at a local high school for nearly two weeks by claiming to be a 16-year-old student from Ohio. Authorities arrested her after the school’s principal uncovered her true identity through a Facebook profile. The incident has prompted concerns over enrollment security and student safety in New York City public schools.[1][2]
The Impersonation Scheme Takes Shape
Kacy Claassen enrolled at Westchester Square Academy on April 13. She used the alias Shamara Rashad and provided a falsified birthdate of March 8, 2010, which would have made her 16 years old. During the process, she told school officials she had recently moved to New York from Ohio with her sister.[1]
The academy, located in the Pelham Bay section of the Bronx, shares a campus with five other schools, including Herbert H. Lehman High School. Claassen managed to join classes shortly after spring break without immediate detection. Her presence went unnoticed for about two weeks amid the routine flow of the school day.[3]
Facebook Profile Leads to Confrontation
Suspicion arose when the principal reviewed Claassen’s information and came across her Facebook page. The profile featured her real photograph alongside a birthdate confirming she was 28 years old. He confronted her directly with this evidence during a meeting at the school.[2]
Claassen quickly admitted her true identity. She explained that a friend had pressured her into the deception so she could qualify for additional public assistance benefits. Police responded to a 911 call around noon on April 27 for possible identity theft and took her into custody at the academy.[1][4]
Felony Charges and Court Proceedings
Prosecutors filed several serious charges against Claassen. The counts included endangering the welfare of a child, criminal impersonation, possession of a forged instrument, and criminal trespassing. She pleaded not guilty and was released on her own recognizance.[2]
- Endangering the welfare of a child
- Criminal impersonation
- Possession of a forged instrument
- Criminal trespassing
Claassen has no prior criminal record. Her next court appearance is scheduled for June 15. Investigators believe the case connects to broader issues of benefits fraud, though details remain under review by the New York Police Department.[3]
School Community Grapples with Fallout
Westchester Square Academy officials notified the campus community soon after the arrest. Lehman High School, sharing the site, sent a letter to parents confirming the validity of identity concerns. The New York City Department of Education emphasized the gravity of the breach.
“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. We are providing all necessary and suitable support to the school community.”[1]
Students expressed unease over the potential risks. The episode highlighted vulnerabilities in verifying new enrollees, especially those claiming recent relocations. School leaders have pledged enhanced protocols to prevent similar incidents.[2]
Implications for School Safety and Fraud Prevention
This case underscores the challenges public schools face in maintaining secure enrollment processes. While Claassen’s motives centered on financial gain, her access to classrooms raised alarms about child welfare. Authorities continue to probe whether others were involved in encouraging the fraud.
New York City schools enroll thousands of students annually, many transferring mid-year. Incidents like this prompt reviews of documentation requirements and digital verification tools. For the Bronx campus, the focus now shifts to rebuilding trust and ensuring no lapses compromise the learning environment.
Claassen’s quick unraveling via social media serves as a reminder of how public profiles can intersect with real-world deceptions. As the legal process unfolds, the episode will likely influence discussions on safeguarding minors in educational settings.
