REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER, 29, ACCUSED OF POSING AS HOMELESS TEEN GIRL TO ENROLL IN HIGH SCHOOL — AFTER SIMILAR ATTEMPT IN OREGON

A 29-year-old registered sex offender has been arrested in Minnesota after allegedly posing as a homeless teenage girl to enroll at a high school — in what authorities say is a second attempt to enter a school under a false identity.

Makayla Ray Craig is accused of submitting enrollment documents claiming to be a homeless 17-year-old named Molly Fox from Oregon. School staff at Maple Grove High School, near Minneapolis, became suspicious and alerted police, according to court documents and local news reports.

Investigators say Craig never completed the enrollment process and was never physically present on campus as a student. The case has raised serious concerns about school safety and the systems designed to help homeless students access education.

School Staff Raise the Alarm

According to the criminal complaint, school staff contacted police on October 19, 2026, after a person claiming to be a homeless teenager attempted to enroll.

The applicant allegedly submitted paperwork under a different name and said they had no identification documents. The person reportedly cited the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which protects the educational rights of students experiencing homelessness and allows schools to enroll eligible students even when certain documents are missing.

Investigators said the applicant insisted on immediate enrollment. Staff became concerned and contacted a school resource officer.

Authorities later determined that the applicant was actually Craig, who was 29 years old.

Because the person lacked identification, the school reportedly placed the applicant in an online program while the situation was being reviewed. Police said Craig never attended in-person classes or participated in online classes as an enrolled student.

Suspect Allegedly Wanted the “Full Experience” of High School

During an interview with investigators, Craig allegedly continued to identify as Molly Fox and claimed to have never attended school.

According to the complaint, Craig said they wanted to start school after achieving sobriety and hoped to attend in person to get the “full experience.”

Investigators also allege that Craig had warned school staff in advance that the applicant might look older than 17, so they would not be surprised when they met.

The complaint further states that Craig expressed concern about being mistaken for Makayla Ray Craig, a registered sex offender from Oregon. That statement reportedly helped investigators connect the applicant’s identity to the person they were investigating.

Previous Attempt to Enroll at an Oregon High School

Authorities say the Minnesota case follows a strikingly similar incident in Oregon.

In 2024, Craig allegedly attempted to enroll at a high school in Albany, Oregon, while claiming to be a 15-year-old homeless girl named Madison. Investigators said false information was used during the enrollment process.

Craig later pleaded guilty to forgery-related offenses and was sentenced in 2025 to 20 days in jail, according to CBS Minnesota. The court also imposed probation and ordered Craig to stay away from schools attended by minors.

Craig became a registered sex offender after a 2023 conviction for third-degree sexual abuse involving a minor. According to the new criminal complaint, Craig had been out of compliance with Oregon’s sex-offender registration requirements since October 22, 2025.

Prosecutors previously expressed concern that posing as a minor could provide access to other young people. The precise motive behind the latest alleged attempt has not been established in court.

Three Felony Charges Filed

Craig was arrested in Minnesota and charged with three felony offenses: two counts of aggravated forgery and one count of forgery.

The charges relate to allegations that false documents and identifying information were used in the attempted school enrollment.

A judge initially set bail at $200,000 without conditions, or $100,000 with conditions, according to CBS Minnesota. The conditions included restrictions on contact with minors, staying away from schools and avoiding contact with Maple Grove High School.

Craig remained in custody following the court hearing. The allegations have not been proven at trial.

School Officials Praised for Acting Quickly

Maple Grove police credited school employees for recognizing warning signs, notifying authorities and cooperating with investigators.

The incident comes amid broader concerns about adults allegedly using false identities to gain access to schools. Minnesota has seen other cases involving adults accused of posing as teenage students, prompting renewed attention to enrollment safeguards.

Schools must balance verification procedures with legal obligations to ensure that homeless children and teenagers are not denied an education because they lack documents. Authorities say staff vigilance was central to identifying the alleged deception before Craig attended classes on campus.

The investigation continues as Craig faces the three felony charges in Minnesota.

Source: New York Post