Authorities report that a Venezuelan man managed to enroll at an Ohio high school by claiming to be a 16-year-old boy. This individual, Anthony Emmanuel Labrador Sierra, allegedly pretended to be an unaccompanied minor when he registered at Perrysburg High School, located southwest of Toledo, back in January of last year.
According to police records, when he initially reached out to the school in November 2023, he stated he had been trafficked from Venezuela and claimed a birth date of December 2, 2007. However, prosecutors have identified him as being 24 years old, a fact complicated by his status as a father living in the U.S.
Sierra introduced himself to school officials as Anthony Labrador. In correspondence sent to parents and community members, Principal Thomas Hossler confirmed this information.
After spending approximately 14 months attending the school, staff reported potential fraud involving a student to the Perrysburg Police Department on Monday after discovering suspicious details. This led to the opening of a fraud case by officers.
Investigators, collaborating with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, confirmed that Sierra used fake documents to enroll as a 17-year-old student.
It was noted that Sierra had been living with a local family under the guardianship granted by Wood County Juvenile Court. This family began to doubt his age and soon contacted the school, prompted by new information suggesting he was actually 24 years old.
On May 14, the mother of Sierra’s child reached out, providing evidence of his actual age, including photographs and documents that featured his Ohio driver’s license, which indicated a birth date of March 27, 2001. Despite this, Sierra maintained he was 17, referencing his birth certificate during discussions with school authorities.
The district instructed Sierra’s parents to prevent him from attending school while conducting an investigation into the situation.
During a court appearance via video from the Wood County Jail, Sierra smiled at the camera. The judge set his bond at $50,000 and imposed restrictions preventing him from leaving Wood County and requiring him to wear an ankle monitor, as well as maintaining a distance of at least two miles from Perrysburg High School.
He stated he would live with a woman named Emily if released. His suspicious circumstances came to light after school officials noticed social media posts from people claiming to be his actual family.
While enrolled, Sierra participated in the school’s swimming and soccer programs, as reported by Hosler. Court documents show he had acquired various credentials while registering for school, including a driver’s license, Social Security number, and temporary protected status.
Sierra reportedly received assistance in completing his visa application from Advocacy Opportunities, an organization that provides free legal aid. Given his non-U.S. citizen status, these charges may lead to his deportation, according to prosecutors.
Investigators are currently examining what they have termed “suspicious material” found at the residence where Sierra stayed, alongside concerns related to his time at the school. On Tuesday, he pleaded innocent and will be defended by a public attorney.
