A 24-year-old Venezuelan man was apprehended for impersonating a minor in order to enroll in a high school in Ohio, claiming to be a trafficked teenager.
On May 19, police in Perrysburg, Ohio, arrested Anthony Labrador during a traffic stop after discovering he had unlawfully enrolled in the local school. He was originally in the U.S. illegally after his visa expired in 2023. A Perrysburg family, who adopted him, thought he was a 16-year-old boy, and shared his story with WTVG ABC13.
Labrador’s ruse fell apart when someone claiming to be his mother reached out to the family, stating he was actually 24 years old. She provided a driver’s license that confirmed his real name as Anthony Emmanuel Labrador Sierra. The family informed the police, raising concerns about potential fraud, according to WTOL CBS11.
Perrysburg police contacted U.S. Border Patrol agents, who indicated that Labrador’s visa had expired.
The school notified parents about Labrador’s arrest on felony charges for counterfeiting. Reports indicated he had been residing with guardians of two adults, who had previously hosted exchange students.
Police uncovered that Labrador had contacted the high school in November 2023, asserting he was a 16-year-old from Venezuela, eager to join. He claimed his birthday was December 2, 2007, but it was later confirmed to be March 27, 2001.
According to WTOL, he submitted forged documents to apply for guardianship, a Social Security number, and other essential services, misguiding several officials along the way. “Several agents were misled by these forged records,” commented school spokesperson Rachel Zicker.
Despite the deception, Labrador was participating in activities like soccer and swimming while posing as a student.
The ongoing investigation, in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has revealed that Labrador, originally from Venezuela, was using fake documentation to register at a Perrysburg school as a “17-year-old” student.
Complete police statement:
On May 19, 2025, Perrysburg schools alerted local police about suspected fraud involving a student. Following an initial review, the police department began an investigation.
The cooperation with U.S. authorities unveiled that 24-year-old Anthony Emmanuel Labrador Sierra misused forged documents to register at a school, posing as a teen.
Labrador was taken into custody during a traffic stop around 4:15 p.m. while driving on Interstate 75, and was subsequently booked for felony counterfeiting.
This case remains under investigation, and local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies and the Wood County Prosecutor’s Office.
School Statement:
On May 14, staff at the Perrysburg school received warnings from guardians concerning a student registered as Anthony Labrador, who might actually be a 24-year-old adult. School officials quickly met with him, ultimately asking him to leave and starting a review. They reached out to the police, who acted on their findings, resulting in his arrest for forgery.
Labrador not only enrolled in school fraudulently but also used forged documents to secure legal guardianship, a Social Security number, an Ohio driver’s license, and temporary protected status. Various agencies were fooled by these fake records.
The complexity of the deception is unsettling, but the school’s prompt action was commendable. It’s disheartening that so many people responded with genuine care, believing they were helping a vulnerable teen. Their kindness showcases the best aspects of our community. Though trust has been compromised, many stepped up to assist.
Ensuring student safety is our top priority. We’re dedicated to transparency and enhancing protections for all children in our schools.
Labrador will remain incarcerated on felony counterfeiting charges. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may take further action regarding his immigration status. If he posts a $50,000 bond, he will be required to wear an ankle monitor and will have restricted contact with the school and the family he lived with, limited to Wood County.
Advocacy Opportunity, a nonprofit organization in Toledo, is representing Labrador in his asylum claim. A spokesperson mentioned they believe he was “simply a victim of human trafficking at age 17.”
