A woman has been arrested after she allegedly posed as a teenager in order to enroll as a student at a New York City high school.
Authorities said that Kacy Claassen has been accused of enrolling at Westchester Square Academy in the Bronx with a fake name and birthday, claiming she was a 16-year-old, according to News 12, WABC and NBC New York.
Claassen, 28, enrolled at the school on April 13 under the name Shamara Rashaad, according to a criminal complaint viewed by News 12. She allegedly told the school’s principal that she was originally from Ohio at the time of her enrollment, per WABC.
The principal later discovered a Facebook post that revealed Claassen’s real name and picture. After she was confronted about it, Claassen claimed she enrolled as a student after her friend pressured her to in order to receive public assistance, according to News 12 and WABC.
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However, it’s not currently clear what type of benefits Claassen was referring to.
She reportedly attended the school as a student for two weeks before her real identity and age were revealed, according to Gothamist.
Claassen was arrested on April 27 and was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and criminal impersonation, as well as other charges.
She pleaded not guilty and was released on her own recognizance. Claassen is scheduled to return to court on June 15, the Bronx District Attorney’s Office confirmed to Us Weekly.
It is not currently clear if she has retained legal counsel following her arrest.
On the day of her arrest, the New York City campus was placed on a temporary hold and students and staff were required to remain in classrooms and offices until the situation was resolved, according to Fox 5.
In light of the incident, school officials said they are reviewing enrollment procedures and safeguards to ensure that information regarding future students is properly verified for future enrollment.
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Following her arrest, New York City Schools issued a statement regarding the incident.
“Enrollment fraud is a serious crime that fundamentally undermines New York City Public School values,” a spokesperson for New York City Schools said, according to WABC. “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.”
The Bronx District Attorney’s Office did not have any additional information to share about the case when contacted by Us.
The investigation into the case remains ongoing.
