The story of Shelby Hewitt, a 32-year-old woman accused of posing as a student in several Boston public schools, continues to astound both local and national audiences. Using the student transfer process and disguising herself under various pseudonyms, Hewitt allegedly enrolled at Jeremiah E. Burke High School, Brighton High School, and English High School during the 2022–23 academic year. A former social worker for the Department of Children and Families (DCF) until February, Hewitt has been indicted on new charges by a Suffolk County grand jury as reported by WCVB.
Hewitt now faces five felony forgery counts, identity fraud, larceny over $1,200, and a violation of public employee standards of conduct. These new charges follow her preliminary arraignment in July, during which she faced seven counts of fraud. According to Boston25 News, Hewitt pleaded not guilty in West Roxbury District Court in July. Her actions were exposed in June when someone purporting to be her foster parent attempted to withdraw her from English High School shortly after enrolling her.
With her court date set for December, it is vital to consider not only the serious implications of her actions but also the role of schools in our society. Schools are responsible for preparing the next generation for the future. As such, administrators, parents, and guardians have the trust to perform their duties diligently and honestly.
A WCVB report noted the complex layers of Hewitt's alleged identity fraud. She not only posed as a teenage foster child attending multiple schools but also possibly violated ethical codes of conduct as a public employee.
