Woman Sentenced to Probation for Posing as Boston High School Student

Shelby Hewitt pleaded guilty to charges related to her enrollment at three Boston public high schools during the 2022-2023 academic year.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:55pm

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A 34-year-old former Massachusetts social worker named Shelby Hewitt pleaded guilty to charges including forgery, identity fraud, and violating public employee conduct standards after posing as a student at three Boston high schools during the 2022-2023 academic year. Hewitt was sentenced to four years of probation and ordered to pay over $9,000 in restitution.

Why it matters

This case highlights the potential risks and vulnerabilities in school security and enrollment procedures, as well as the complex mental health challenges that may have contributed to Hewitt's actions. It raises questions about how to balance compassion for those struggling with mental illness with the need to maintain safety and integrity in public institutions.

The details

Shelby Hewitt, a former Department of Children and Families (DCF) employee, used aliases to enroll at Brighton High School, Jeremiah E. Burke High School, and English High School in Boston. She attended classes for months, befriending actual students and even joining the girls' basketball team. Hewitt went to great lengths to cover up her ruse, creating fictional DCF social workers and purchasing a domain similar to the one used by state employees.

  • During the 2022 to 2023 academic year, Hewitt enrolled at the three Boston high schools.
  • Hewitt was initially caught and charged in June 2023 after a Boston Public Schools staff worker noticed 'irregularities' in her student paperwork.
  • Hewitt pleaded guilty to the charges on February 3, 2026.

The players

Shelby Hewitt

A 34-year-old former Massachusetts social worker who posed as a student at three Boston high schools.

Timothy Flaherty

Hewitt's attorney, who previously told the judge that Hewitt would only accept a deal if the case was continued without a finding.

Boston Public Schools (BPS)

The school district where Hewitt enrolled under aliases at three high schools.

Department of Children and Families (DCF)

The state agency where Hewitt was previously employed as a social worker.

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What they’re saying

“Hewitt would only accept a deal if the case was continued without a finding.”

— Timothy Flaherty, Hewitt's attorney (The Boston Globe)

“Hewitt has 'a long-standing lifelong, well-documented history' of mental health struggles, including a diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder, which affects her personality.”

— Timothy Flaherty, Hewitt's attorney (The Boston Globe)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Shelby Hewitt to be released on probation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger security and enrollment procedures in schools to prevent similar incidents, as well as the importance of addressing mental health challenges in a compassionate yet responsible manner to maintain the safety and integrity of public institutions.