(NewsNation) — A Massachusetts teacher is accused of lying about a military background, including a claim that she received a Purple Heart, as well as falsifying the credentials that allowed her to teach in multiple school districts.
Lissa Lagasse, 57, of Lowell, was arrested Friday after a grand jury indicted her on a total of 21 charges, including stolen valor, larceny, identity fraud, child endangerment and intimidation of a witness. Lagasse pleaded not guilty at her arraignment, according to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office.
Local outlet NewsCenter 5 in Boston reported that Lagasse, who claimed to be a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, told people she had twice been wounded in combat. Her alleged deception included bringing her “service dog” to school with her.
The dog has no training or certification as a service animal, the station reported. The investigation into Lagasse’s background began after the dog bit a student.
Prosecutor Shailagh Kennedy said Lagasse told people she obtained the dog via the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps seriously wounded military veterans adapt to civilian life. According to NewsCenter 5, Wounded Warrior officials had never heard of Lagasse.
The investigation showed she had never served in any branch of the military.
Further investigation revealed that Lagasse had falsified her teaching credentials, as well as a master’s degree and doctorate from Duke University, according to the news station. She reportedly claimed to hold a doctorate in child psychology.
Lagasse had worked for Worcester Public Schools, Lowell Public Schools and Haverhill Public Schools, the latter as recently as this spring. Haverhill Superintendent Margaret Marotta told Boston 25 that Lagasse had been hired in September as a science teacher at Haverhill High School.
“At the time of hire, Ms. Lagasse held a valid teaching license, and standard reference checks were completed with her previous school districts, with no concerns reported,” Marotta said. “As soon as red flags surfaced, the district acted swiftly and responsibly, prioritizing the safety and trust of our students, families, and staff.”
“We have no further public comment due to the ongoing police investigation,” she added.
A judge ordered Lagasse’s bail set at $25,000, the DA’s office said. If released, she is ordered to remain under home confinement with GPS monitoring.
