Deceptive Social Worker Infiltrates Boston Schools

Shelby Hewitt, 34, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to identity fraud, violating public employee conduct standards, and three forgery charges in Suffolk County Superior Court. She had posed as a student, aged 16, in Boston Public Schools during the 2022-23 academic year and into 2023. Hewitt used two different identities, including that of a child in Department of Children and Families (DCF) custody, to enroll in Burke High School, Brighton High School, and English High School.

As part of her plea, Hewitt was sentenced to four years of probation, ordered to pay over $9,000 in restitution, and must continue mental health treatment. She is prohibited from being employed as a social worker and must stay away from Boston Public Schools. Prosecutors highlighted that Hewitt undermined systems designed to protect children. Victims, like former student Janelle Lamons, expressed feelings of betrayal and difficulty trusting others due to Hewitt's actions.

Hewitt, a college-educated former DCF social worker, also sought eating disorder treatment at Walden Behavioral Treatment Center using her false identities. She expressed remorse in court, apologizing for the pain and fear caused, admitting to violating the trust of the school community. Her lawyer cited significant mental health concerns, but victims' families find probation insufficient and are calling for greater safety measures.