Overview

• 32-year-old Shelby Hewitt, a former social worker, is facing multiple charges including forgery, identity fraud, and larceny over $1,200 for allegedly posing as a foster child under government care and enrolling in three Boston high schools.
• Hewitt is accused of creating multiple names and dates of birth for herself and creating a false narrative of being a traumatized teen with special needs.
• While posing as a teen, Hewitt allegedly continued her job as a social worker with the Department of Children and Families, collecting a salary of $54,000.
• Hewitt's defense attorney, Timothy Flaherty, attributes the incidents to mental health issues, stating that Hewitt has had a lifelong history of mental health challenges.
• Hewitt pleaded not guilty and was released on $5,000 bail under the condition of staying away from schools and anyone under 18 years old. Her trial is scheduled for fall 2024.