Bronx school enrolment fraud: Woman, 28, accused of posing as 16-year-old student

Kacy Claassen claims she impersonated a 16-year-old high school student because her friend pressured her into it. Photo / Kacy Claassen

A 28-year-old woman fraudulently posed as a New York high school student in what she claims was her friend’s bid to claim financial assistance from the state.

Kacy Claassen enrolled at Westchester Square Academy on April 13, attending two weeks of classes at the Bronx high school.

Using the name Shamara Rashad, she claimed to have been born in 2010, despite her Facebook profile listing her birthdate as July 29, 1997.

After the school’s principal found Claassen’s social media profile, she was arrested on April 27, telling officers that a friend had coerced her into registering at the school.

The goal of the scam was allegedly to collect more benefits from the state, but police have not clarified how.

Claassen has pleaded not guilty to charges of endangering the welfare of a child, trespassing, and criminal impersonation.

She is set to appear in court again on June 15.

While her Facebook profile claims she has a daughter, police have been unable to verify whether this is true.

According to ABC News, officials from New York City Public Schools have released a statement since the incident, saying, “Enrolment 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.”

The student newspaper for the neighbouring Bronx River High School said Westchester Square officials were in the process of reviewing school enrolment procedures.