HAVERHILL, Mass. — A woman who had worked in several Massachusetts school districts is accused of lying about her college degrees and falsely claiming to be a Purple Heart recipient, officials say.
Lissa Lagasse, 57, of Lowell, was arrested Friday morning after an Essex County Grand Jury voted to issue 21 indictments against her for allegedly lying that she had undergraduate and advanced college degrees. She also falsely claimed to be a retired military combat veteran and a Purple Heart recipient, according to the Essex County District Attorney’s office.
Haverhill Public Schools Superintendent Margaret Marotta says Lagasse was hired as a science teacher at the high school in September.
After an incident involving her service animal, details and inconsistencies involving her background and credentials came under scrutiny.
“The district immediately placed her on administrative leave and conducted a thorough investigation. 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.”
Lagasse also taught in Lowell and Worcester, according to the DA’s office.
Boston 25 spoke to Lagasse’s brother-in-law, Michael Lagasse, who said the arrest came as a complete surprise.
“There was a moment this morning where the detectives and police department, they went through her stuff on the dining room table,” Michael Lagasse said. “All they saw was a plaque with her purple heart on it.”
“Most of the family I would have to say really doesn’t trust her that much, I’m not sure if I trust her that much but she tries, she tries to makes things work, she works hard, she just has a way of doing things that most of us are not aware of,” Lagasse continued.
The charges Lissa Lagasse is facing include three counts of pretending to hold degrees, identity fraud, reckless endangerment of a child, three counts of procurement fraud, two counts of stolen valor, six counts of uttering at common law, intimidation of a witness, three counts of larceny in excess of $1,200, and being a common and notorious thief in violation of Massachusetts law.
Lagasse pleaded not guilty to the charges in Salem Superior Court Friday afternoon.
“I never thought in a million years that this would ever happen, ever,” Michael Lagasse said.
Bail was set at $25,000. If she posts bail, she will be ordered to home confinement with GPS monitoring.
She is due to return in court on Monday, July 28, the DA’s office says.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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