The New York City Police Department arrested a 28-year-old woman accused of pretending to be a 16-year-old to go to a Bronx high school.
Kacy Claassen enrolled at Westchester Square Academy on April 13, telling the principal she was a 16-year-old from Ohio named “Shamara Rashad,” according to a criminal complaint cited by Gothamist Wednesday.
The principal eventually caught wise. After he confronted her, Ms. Claassen continued to insist on her assumed identity, only for the principal to bring up her Facebook page, which displayed her real name and age, according to the complaint as cited by WABC-TV.
Ms. Claassen said that she hid her identity after being coerced by a friend, who wanted to use the ruse to get more public assistance, according to the complaint as cited by Gothamist.
She was arrested on April 27, and was charged with criminal impersonation and trespass. She pleaded not guilty to both charges and is due back in court on June 15, according to court records.
New York City Public Schools told the New York Post in a statement, “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.”
