Bend, OR – A 27-year-old registered sex offender was arrested Friday after attempting to enroll in a local high school by falsely portraying herself as a 15-year-old student. The individual, later identified as Makayla Craig, was apprehended following an investigation by the Albany Police Department.
The arrest came after employees from Families and Communities Together (F.A.C.T.), a local organization that works closely with at-risk youth, flagged the registration attempt. Suspicious of the individual’s age and identity, F.A.C.T. staff reached out to School Resource Officer Williams, prompting further inquiry into the case.
According to police, Craig submitted a false name and date of birth when trying to enroll, leading authorities to suspect something was amiss. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that she was, in fact, an adult with a criminal history.
Craig, a registered sex offender, had previously been convicted of offenses that require her to be listed on the sex offender registry. Authorities say she attempted to gain access to the high school by misrepresenting herself as a teenager, a tactic that, had it gone undetected, could have put students at risk.
The Albany Police Department praised the quick action taken by F.A.C.T. employees, noting that their vigilance helped prevent a potentially dangerous situation. “The collaboration between our local partners and the school district is a critical piece in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community’s young people,” said Police Chief Michael K. Kelleher.
Following her arrest, Craig was charged with several offenses, including criminal impersonation and attempting to gain access to a school under false pretenses. She is currently being held in custody pending further legal proceedings.
Authorities are urging the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities related to student safety. The Albany Police Department is continuing its investigation and asks anyone with additional information to come forward.
This incident highlights the ongoing importance of security protocols in schools, especially when it comes to verifying the identities of those attempting to interact with minors.
For now, officials assure that the school district’s enrollment process will be thoroughly reviewed to ensure similar attempts are swiftly detected in the future.
