Venezuelan Man Poses as Minor, Attends Ohio High School for Over a Year

Perrysburg, Ohio — A 24-year-old Venezuelan man, identified as Anthony Emmanuel Labrador Sierra, has been accused of posing as an unaccompanied minor to enroll in high school. School officials described the case as ‘highly unusual and deceptive.’

Labrador reportedly attended Perrysburg High School for more than a year, beginning in January 2024, while claiming to be 16 years old. He was arrested during a traffic stop on felony forgery charges, according to the Perrysburg Police Department.

During his time at the school, Labrador was involved in sports, including the junior varsity soccer and swim teams. However, investigators discovered he used fraudulent documents to enroll, prompting authorities to take action.

The school district called the allegations ‘heartbreaking,’ noting that staff and community members treated Labrador as a vulnerable teenager. ‘Though trust was violated, we remain proud of those who chose to help,’ the district stated.

Following a complaint from Labrador’s guardians, who later claimed he was an adult, school officials initiated an investigation. During discussions, Labrador denied the allegations, asserting that the birth certificate provided at enrollment was legitimate.

While the investigation unfolded, officials barred him from school premises. Their inquiry revealed social media posts suggesting that individuals were claiming to be Labrador’s real family.

Perrysburg Schools maintained that they followed legal protocols for students without guardians or who are homeless, in accordance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This law requires that homeless youth have access to public education.

The school district is confident it acted appropriately and will continue to monitor similar situations to prevent future deception.