News Summary
Shelby Hewitt, 34, faces multiple felonies, including identity fraud, for allegedly impersonating a teenager to enroll in Boston Public Schools. Discrepancies in her enrollment documents led to her arrest. During her alleged time in schools, she formed relationships and participated in sports. Her case raises concerns over safeguarding policies in education as she claimed to be a special needs student. Hewitt’s court hearings are set amid claims of mental health issues, complicating her legal situation.
Boston—Shelby Hewitt, a 34-year-old woman, has been charged with multiple felonies, including forgery and identity fraud, for allegedly posing as a teenager to enroll in Boston Public Schools (BPS). Hewitt was arrested in July 2023 after staff at the English High School discovered discrepancies in her enrollment paperwork.
Hewitt is accused of using various aliases, including Daniella Herrera and Ellie Blake, along with fake birthdates while attending Jeremiah E. Burke High School, Brighton High School, and The English High School between September 7, 2022, and June 14, 2023. During her time in these schools, she reportedly formed friendships and even joined a basketball team.
The series of fraudulent activities was brought to light after officials at the English High School contacted law enforcement due to inconsistencies in her enrollment documents. In an elaborate deception, Hewitt allegedly invented fake identities and social workers to present herself as a traumatized child in need of educational services. Notably, she was employed by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) during this time and continued to collect her state salary.
Hewitt has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Her court proceedings have experienced delays, some attributed to her mental health issues and ongoing plea negotiations. A court hearing has been set for October 1, 2024, where she is expected to appear. Prosecutors expressed openness to a plea agreement that could entail probation and mental health treatment; however, this proposition was declined by Hewitt’s attorney, who is seeking a different arrangement. The trial has been scheduled for February 9, 2026.
Complications in the case stem from Hewitt’s reported dissociative identity disorder, which she claims influenced her actions and decisions. Despite her current legal troubles, she is said to hold a master’s degree in social work from the University of Massachusetts Boston and has no prior criminal record.
Hewitt’s deceit has left many of her friends and acquaintances feeling betrayed, as they discovered details about her true identity only following her arrest. These individuals have started a group to analyze her behavior and motivations, likening their efforts to a “detective squad.” In revealing her past, some have noted a troubled upbringing characterized by loss and perceived emotional neglect from her family.
As the complexity of her fabrications continues to unfold, media reports have highlighted the confluence of her mental health challenges and manipulative behavior. Many who have had personal relationships with Hewitt are expressing feelings of anger and betrayal after she shared sensitive personal details under false pretenses.
The ongoing legal case remains a point of interest, and developments continue to draw attention as updates on her situation and the implications for those involved are closely monitored. The full extent of her fraudulent activities, including obtaining special education services while posing as a special needs student, raises significant concerns around safeguarding policies within the education system.
As this situation evolves, further revelations may continue to emerge, affecting not just the legal outcomes but also the personal lives intertwined with Hewitt’s elaborate deception.
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