Venezuelan Man Arrested for Posing as Teen in Ohio High School

PERRYSBURG, Ohio — A 24-year-old man from Venezuela is facing charges after he allegedly posed as a 16-year-old to enroll in high school using fake documents. Anthony Emmanuel Labrador Sierra was arrested during a traffic stop on May 19, 2025, according to local police.

The investigation began when Perrysburg Local Schools reported suspected fraudulent activity involving a student. Detectives found that Labrador had enrolled at Perrysburg High School in January 2024, claiming to be an unaccompanied minor.

School officials stated that Labrador had presented a Venezuelan birth certificate asserting he was born on December 2, 2007. Over his enrollment period, he obtained a state driver’s license, Social Security number, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) through what authorities suspect are forged documents.

“Given the seriousness of the claim, immediately after learning the truth, we directed the guardians to keep Labrador off school property while the matter was investigated,” a school spokesperson said.

The investigation escalated when a woman reached out to Labrador’s guardians, claiming he was actually 24 years old and fathered her child. She provided documents confirming his true age. The guardians contacted the school, prompting further scrutiny into Labrador’s enrollment.

In a statement, the school district expressed concern about the situation, calling it “heartbreaking.” Authorities said that while trust was violated, the community’s compassion reflects the best intentions.

“The case involves highly unusual and deceptive circumstances that impacted many local and federal agencies,” the district added. “We have reviewed our actions and believe we followed proper legal channels.”

Labrador Sierra, who participated in junior varsity soccer and swimming while attending the school, is being held on a $50,000 bond at Wood County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on May 29, 2025.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed he is a visa overstay who initially entered the U.S. in 2019. The case highlights ongoing challenges regarding identity verification and fraud prevention in educational institutions.