A 23-year-old woman has been accused of pretending to be a substitute teacher at her former high school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, because she was bored. Amy Jones allegedly entered Rufus King International High School on September 24 and signed in as a substitute teacher, despite not being employed by the school or a teaching agency. According to court documents, Jones had visited the school about a week earlier and allegedly managed to get inside by blending in with students. During that visit, she reportedly overheard staff discussing a substitute teaching agency.

On the day of the incident, several teachers were absent, and one substitute position was still unfilled. School principal Doreen Badillo told Fox 6 that Jones appeared to take advantage of the situation and signed in as a substitute.

A teacher initially stayed in the classroom with Jones for about 20 minutes before leaving. Police say Jones then began making offensive and inappropriate comments to students. She allegedly asked pupils if they had marijuana or a vape and made insulting remarks about their weight, appearance, race and financial situation.

The criminal complaint also alleges that Jones used racial slurs and profanities, made sexually inappropriate comments and organised students according to race and gender.

Students became uncomfortable and reported her behaviour to school staff. The school contacted the substitute teaching agency, which confirmed that Jones was not one of its employees. Police then arrived and escorted her from the building.

According to the complaint, Jones later told officers that she had pretended to be a teacher because she was bored. She also allegedly said that she hated children and wanted to cause trouble.

Jones has been charged with impersonating a public employee and five counts of exposing a child to harmful descriptions. She is due to appear for a preliminary hearing on 20 October. The school district is also carrying out its own investigation.