Full Breakdown
28-Year-Old Woman Arrested After Impersonating a Bronx High-School Student
5/7/2026, 2:25:58 AM
Impersonation at Westchester Square Academy
On April 13, 2024, Kacy Claassen, a 28-year-old resident of the Bronx, enrolled at Westchester Square Academy in the Bronx under the alias “Shamara Rashad,” claiming to be a 16-year-old who had moved from Ohio with her sister. For two weeks she attended classes, used a forged birthdate, and accessed school resources. School principal Marques Rich discovered a Facebook profile showing Claassen’s true name, age, and Kansas residence. When presented with the evidence, Claassen admitted her real identity and said a friend had urged her to lie to obtain additional public assistance. Police arrested her on the campus of Herbert H. Lehman High School on April 27, and she was charged the following day.
Background: Enrollment Verification and Public Assistance
New York City public schools require proof of age and residency to prevent enrollment fraud, which can divert resources intended for eligible students. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in verification processes that can be exploited for financial gain, particularly when public assistance programs are involved.
Key Individuals and Institutions
- Kacy Claassen – the defendant, who used a false identity.
- Marques Rich – principal of Westchester Square Academy, who identified the fraud.
- New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) – oversees school enrollment policies.
- New York Police Department (NYPD) – conducted the investigation and arrest.
- Joseph Hayes Rochman – attorney representing Claassen.
Timeline of the Deception and Arrest
- April 13, 2024 – Claassen enrolls under the name Shamara Rashad.
- April 27, 2024 – NYPD charges her with criminal impersonation and trespassing.
- April 28, 2024 – She is arrested on the Bronx campus and arraigned the next day.
- June 15, 2024 – Scheduled court appearance.
Official Responses from NYC Education Authorities
NYC DOE issued a statement emphasizing that enrollment fraud “fundamentally undermines New York City public-school values” and affirmed that the NYPD is pursuing “all appropriate legal action.” School officials also pledged to “provide all necessary and suitable support to the school community” while reviewing enrollment safeguards.
Student Reactions and Criticism
Students on the shared campus expressed alarm, noting that the deception “puts a danger to our school” and questioning how the institution “let her in.” One student described the situation as “insane,” urging peers to “check IDs” and remain vigilant.
Data on Charges and Legal Proceedings
According to the NYPD, Claassen faces multiple counts: criminal impersonation, criminal trespassing, endangering the welfare of a child, and possession of a forged instrument. She has no prior criminal record and remains out of custody pending her June 15 court date.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Source 1 lists only criminal impersonation and trespassing, while Source 2 adds charges of endangering a child’s welfare and possession of a forged instrument. Neither source provides details on the alleged public-assistance fraud scheme, leaving the extent of financial misconduct unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — NYC Department of Education spokesperson
- “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.” — NYC DOE official
- “That really puts a danger to our school.” — Student, Bronx campus (News 12)
- “This is insane. I don’t know how they let her in. She’s 30 years old, she looks 16, guys. Be careful, and check IDs.” — Student, Bronx campus (News 12)
Outlook: Policy Review and Safeguards
Following the incident, NYC DOE announced a review of enrollment verification procedures, including stricter documentation requirements and enhanced cross-checking of digital footprints. The department plans to implement additional training for staff to detect fraudulent applications before admission, aiming to prevent similar breaches in the future.
