Woman arrested after posing as student at Pelham Bay school
An anonymous caller with ties to the high school tells News 12 Kacy Claassen enrolled in the school after spring break, using the identity of a 16-year-old girl.
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A 28-year-old woman is facing charges after police say she posed as a teenager and enrolled in a Bronx high school.
According to a criminal complaint, Kacy Claassen allegedly enrolled at Westchester Square Academy on April 13 using the name "Shamara Rashad" and a birthdate that would make her 16 years old.
Officials say the school's principal later discovered a Facebook page with her photo and a different birthday, prompting questions about her identity.
Authorities say Claassen then admitted her real name and age, telling the principal she lied about her identity and claimed a friend pressured her to do so for public assistance benefits.
Claassen is charged with criminal impersonation and trespassing and has pleaded not guilty.
Westchester Square Academy is located on a campus with six schools. One of the schools, Lehman High School, sent out a letter saying there were concerns about the student's identity that turned out to be true.
The Department of Education says it is providing support to the school community, while police sources say the case is believed to be tied to a benefits fraud and scamming.
Claassen has clean record. She is currently not in custody and is due back in court June 15.
