Full Breakdown
28-Year-Old Woman Arrested for Impersonating a Bronx High School Student
5/7/2026, 7:23:40 AM
Impersonation at Westchester Square Academy
On April 13, 2024, 28-year-old Bronx resident Kacy Claassen enrolled at Westchester Square Academy claiming to be 16-year-old “Shamara Rashad,” a supposed Ohio transfer. After two weeks, principal Marques Rich found her Facebook page showing her true name, age, and Kansas residence. Confronted with the evidence, Claassen admitted her identity and said a friend urged the deception to obtain additional public assistance. Police arrested her on April 27 at the Herbert H. Lehman High School campus, which houses the academy.
Context & Key Actors
Enrollment fraud is deemed a serious crime by New York City Public Schools, which warned it undermines school values. The NYPD leads the investigation. Claassen’s attorney, Joseph Hayes Rochman, did not respond to inquiries. The school placed the campus on a hold while reviewing enrollment safeguards.
Timeline
April 13 – Claassen registers; April 27 – arrest; April 28 – arraignment; June 15 – next court appearance.
Charges
The complaint cites criminal impersonation, endangering a child’s welfare, possession of a forged instrument, and criminal trespassing. Earlier reports listed only impersonation and trespassing, reflecting evolving coverage.
Official Statements
NYC Public Schools said enrollment fraud erodes school values, that the NYPD is investigating, and that the district will pursue legal action while reviewing verification procedures.
Broader Implications
The case underscores weaknesses in the city’s enrollment verification process, suggesting that false identities could be used to obtain public assistance. Officials said the incident triggered a review of safeguards to preserve the integrity of the public-school system.
Student Reaction
Students warned the fraud “puts a danger to our school” and urged stricter ID checks, describing the incident as “insane” and questioning how a 30-year-old could enroll as a teenager.
Conflicting Reports
Three sources name the false identity as “Shamara Rashad,” while one report noted the student name was “not immediately available.” Charge details also vary between reports.
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.” — New York City Public Schools
- “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.” — New York City Public Schools
- “That really puts a danger to our school.” — Student, Bronx River High School
- “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 River High School
What’s Next
Claassen is slated to appear in Bronx court on June 15 for further rulings. The NYC Department of Education has pledged tighter enrollment verification and a review of safeguards to preserve the integrity of the public-school system.
