Venezuelan Man Posing as Teenager Arrested for Fraudulent School Enrollment in Ohio

PERRYSBURG, Ohio — Enrollment Controversy at Perrysburg High School

A 24-year-old Venezuelan national, identified as Anthony Emmanuel Labrador Sierra, has been accused of posing as a 16-year-old high school student in Ohio. His alleged deception has raised significant questions about school enrollment procedures and safety protocols.

From Student to Suspect

Labrador reportedly contacted Perrysburg High School officials in November 2023, claiming to be a homeless minor trafficked from Venezuela. He presented a birth certificate indicating a birth date of December 2, 2007. According to police documents, he also obtained a driver's license, a Social Security number, and Temporary Protective Status from the U.S. Immigration Department.

Initially embraced by the school community, Labrador participated in classes, swim competitions, and even played on the junior varsity soccer team for over a year. However, his identity was called into question when the adult legal guardians he was living with began receiving alarming claims.

Discovery and Legal Proceedings

On May 14, 2025, the guardians received communications from a woman, allegedly the mother of Labrador's child, who revealed his true identity as a 24-year-old father. She provided documents including a driver’s license and Social Security card that corroborated her claims. After this revelation, Border Patrol became involved in the ongoing investigation, revealing that Labrador's visa had expired in 2023.

Labrador was arrested during a traffic stop on May 19 and now faces charges that include felony forgery. He is being held on a $50,000 bond, with his next court appearance scheduled for May 29.

School's Response and Future Implications

Perrysburg School District has stated that the enrollment process followed the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which mandates immediate enrollment for unaccompanied minors without requiring typical documentation upfront. However, concerns have been raised regarding the efficacy of the verification process.

As state officials emphasize the need for immediate scrutiny, legislators are questioning how an adult could slip through the cracks of the school safety protocols. State Representative Haraz Ghanbari highlighted the potential breakdown of safeguards that allowed an adult to integrate into a school as a minor.

A Broader Social Issue

The situation underscores deeper issues related to immigration and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in seeking education. Local organizations, like Nuestra Gente Community Projects, advocate for immigrant families, pointing out the increasing need for support for genuinely displaced individuals.

Many immigrants come with hopes of a better future or temporary relief from dire situations in their home countries. However, this case complicates those narratives and raises concerns regarding the protections and trust extended to vulnerable individuals within educational institutions.

Conclusion

This unfolding story serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration, legal protections, and the role of community in supporting vulnerable individuals. As the legal proceedings progress, the spotlight remains on the education system's protocols in verifying the identities of those it serves.