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Published 15:38 13 May 2026 GMT
A 28-year-old woman was arrested after allegedly pretending to be a 16-year-old student so she could enroll at a New York City high school, according to police.
Authorities say Kacy Claassen enrolled at Westchester Square Academy in the Bronx last month using the name Shamara Rashad and claimed she had recently moved to New York from Ohio with her sister. A criminal complaint obtained by The New York Post states she also told school officials she was born in 2010.
Claassen reportedly attended classes for two weeks and was even given a school ID before school staff became suspicious. Police said the school’s principal confronted her with screenshots from her Facebook profile, which allegedly revealed her real age and identity.
Investigators said Claassen’s social media accounts listed her birthday as July 29, 1997 and included posts referencing a “beautiful daughter” alongside photos of her holding a toddler-aged girl.
The same child reportedly appeared across several of Claassen’s social media pages. However, sources told The New York Post that investigators were not convinced she actually had a child.
Police said Claassen later admitted she lied about her age and identity. According to authorities, she claimed a friend encouraged her to enroll at the school so she could qualify for additional public assistance.
Investigators believe the alleged scam may have been tied to a benefits scheme, although police did not provide further details about how it may have worked.
The case comes after reports of so-called “ghost student” scams, where fraudsters allegedly steal identities and enroll in online college courses to collect financial aid payments before disappearing. ABC 7 reported in January that community colleges are often targeted because of open enrollment policies.
It remains unclear how pretending to be a high school student could have helped Claassen obtain public assistance benefits.
Claassen was arrested on April 27 at the school campus and charged with endangering the welfare of a child, trespassing, and criminal impersonation.
Court records show she pleaded not guilty and is due back in court on June 15.
“Enrollment fraud is a serious crime that fundamentally undermines New York City Public School values,” NYC Schools told The New York Post in a statement.
“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 immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Claassen’s alleged motive or the possible benefits scheme.
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