28-year-old woman posed as NYC high school student for weeks before arrest: report

A 28-year-old woman, Kacy Claassen, was arrested in New York City after allegedly impersonating a 16-year-old high school student for two weeks. According to a criminal complaint, Claassen enrolled at Westchester Square Academy in the Bronx on April 13, claiming to be Shamara Rashad, a student from Ohio. The deception was uncovered when the school principal found Claassen’s Facebook page, which revealed her real name, age, and location in Hays, Kansas. She initially denied the allegations but later confessed after being confronted with evidence, admitting she had lied to receive public assistance. Police charged her on April 27 with criminal impersonation, endangering the welfare of a child, and trespassing. Claassen claimed a friend encouraged her to impersonate a student. She was arraigned the same day and faces a court return on June 15. The NYC Schools spokesperson condemned the incident, stating enrollment fraud undermines public school values and that legal action will be pursued. The case highlights concerns over fraudulent enrollment in public schools, raising questions about how such schemes can be prevented. Authorities are actively investigating the allegations, with the NYPD working to ensure accountability.