MAPLE GROVE, MN — A 29-year-old registered sex offender from Oregon is facing three felony forgery charges after allegedly attempting to enroll at Maple Grove Senior High School by pretending to be a 17-year-old homeless teenager. Authorities have identified the defendant as Makayla Craig, born in 1997, who investigators say used a false name and birth date while attempting to gain admission to the school. The case has drawn additional attention following reports that Craig was previously sentenced to jail in Oregon after a similar incident involving enrollment at a high school under the identity of a 15-year-old homeless student. SCHOOL EMPLOYEE’S SUSPICIONS LEAD TO POLICE INVESTIGATION According to a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County District Court, Maple Grove police were contacted Monday by a concerned school employee who noticed suspicious circumstances involving an individual attempting to enroll. The person reportedly identified themselves as a 17-year-old named Molly from Oregon and claimed to be experiencing homelessness. Craig allegedly completed enrollment paperwork using the false identity and stated that no identification documents were available. The defendant also cited the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, a federal law that protects the educational rights of children experiencing homelessness, and insisted on being enrolled immediately. Although an online educational placement was initially considered or arranged, Maple Grove police later clarified that Craig never completed enrollment and never attended classes. DEFENDANT ALLEGEDLY DENIED TRUE IDENTITY DURING POLICE INTERVIEW Investigators determined that the individual was actually 29 years old. According to the complaint, officers interviewed Craig after advising the defendant of their constitutional rights. During questioning, Craig allegedly continued using the false name provided on the enrollment paperwork and claimed a birth date of January 27, 2009. The defendant reportedly told investigators that pursuing sobriety was a motivating factor in wanting to attend school. Craig also claimed to have never attended school and stated that an alternative high school in Minneapolis had already accepted an enrollment request. However, the defendant reportedly preferred attending classes in person to “get the full experience.” In a particularly unusual detail, Craig allegedly told investigators there was concern about being mistaken for Makayla Craig, a registered sex offender from Oregon. Police subsequently determined that the individual was, in fact, Makayla Craig. PREVIOUS HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLMENT INCIDENT REPORTED IN OREGON The investigation revealed that Craig was a registered sex offender in Oregon following a 2023 conviction. According to the criminal complaint, Craig had also been out of compliance with sex offender registration requirements since October 22, 2025. Additional reporting uncovered a previous case involving similar allegations. In 2024, Portland television station KGW reported that a person named Makayla Craig had been sentenced to 40 days in jail after enrolling at an Oregon high school while allegedly pretending to be a 15-year-old homeless student named Madison. That earlier incident bears similarities to the allegations now being investigated in Minnesota, including the use of a false teenage identity and claims of homelessness. POLICE CONFIRM CRAIG NEVER ATTENDED MAPLE GROVE HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES Following the investigation, Maple Grove police issued a statement clarifying that Craig never successfully completed enrollment at Maple Grove Senior High School. “Craig never completed enrollment with Maple Grove Senior High School, and he was never present on campus as a student or in any online classes,” police stated. Authorities also credited school district employees for recognizing the suspicious circumstances and promptly notifying a school resource officer. Police said their collaboration with school staff helped investigators identify the defendant and intervene. Craig was subsequently arrested in a public parking ramp. THREE FELONY CHARGES FILED, BAIL SET AT $50,000 According to court documents, Craig faces three felony forgery charges stemming from conduct alleged to have occurred on or around October 8, 2026. The charges include: 1. Aggravated Forgery – Writing That Creates or Evidences Legal Rights. Maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine. 2. Aggravated Forgery – Public Record. Maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine. 3. Forgery – Using a False Writing for Identification. Maximum penalty of three years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine. During a Thursday court appearance, a Hennepin County District Court judge set bail at $50,000. Craig remained in custody at the time of the report. INVESTIGATION REMAINS ACTIVE The case has raised questions about how individuals with fraudulent identities may attempt to exploit school enrollment procedures intended to protect vulnerable students. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act was established to ensure children experiencing homelessness can access education even when they lack traditional documentation. Investigators allege Craig attempted to use those protections while misrepresenting their identity and age. Importantly, police have confirmed that Craig was never present on the Maple Grove campus as a student and did not participate in online classes. Authorities have not reported any inappropriate contact with students in connection with the Minnesota incident. The Maple Grove Police Department says the investigation remains active and ongoing. Craig is presumed innocent of the pending Minnesota charges unless proven guilty in court. Minnesota Now | Maple Grove, Minnesota