A Venezuelan migrant's elaborate deception unraveled at an Ohio high school where he masqueraded as a teenage student for over a year.

According to the New York Post, Anthony Emmanuel Labrador Sierra, 24, allegedly posed as a 16-year-old unaccompanied minor to enroll at Perrysburg High School near Toledo, even participating in school sports programs.

Sierra first approached school officials in November 2023, claiming he had been trafficked from Venezuela. He provided fraudulent documents showing a birth date of December 2, 2007, which would have made him 16 at the time. The deception enabled him to not only attend classes but also join the school's swimming and soccer teams.

Family Discovery Leads to Investigation

A local family gained guardianship of Sierra through the Wood County Juvenile Court, providing him with housing and support. The arrangement continued until May 14, when the mother of Sierra's child contacted his guardians with evidence of his true identity.

The evidence included photos and documents, most notably an Ohio driver's license displaying Sierra's actual birth date of March 27, 2001. When confronted by school officials, Sierra maintained his fictional age, referencing his fraudulent birth certificate.

School district leaders ultimately discovered social media posts from individuals claiming to be Sierra's real family members, prompting them to contact the Perrysburg Police Division on Monday.

Legal Consequences and Immigration Status

During his court appearance via video from Wood County Jail, Sierra displayed a dismissive attitude, smirking at the camera. A judge set his bond at $50,000 with strict conditions, including ankle monitoring and maintaining a two-mile distance from the school.

Prosecutors revealed that Sierra had obtained various official documents during his enrollment, including a Social Security number and federal Temporary Protective Status. The investigation has expanded to examine "questionable material" found at his residence.

Sierra's non-citizen status means these charges could result in deportation proceedings. He entered a not-guilty plea and will receive representation from a public defender.

Case Resolution Pending

Anthony Emmanuel Labrador Sierra faces serious consequences for his 14-month deception at Perrysburg High School, where he participated in student life while concealing his true identity as a 24-year-old father.

The case has raised concerns about the verification processes for student enrollment and immigration documentation. Sierra remains in custody as authorities continue their investigation into both his fraudulent activities and any additional issues that may have occurred during his time at the school.

Why this story matters

This case has raised serious concerns about how identity fraud can be used to infiltrate systems meant to protect children and vulnerable populations. It’s especially concerning when adults can manipulate those systems for extended periods.

It also highlights the need for greater safeguards in schools and courts tasked with supporting unaccompanied minors, especially during the ongoing U.S. immigration crisis. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of community vigilance and institutional cooperation in identifying and halting potential fraud before further harm occurs.

Conclusion

Anthony Emmanuel Labrador Sierra, a 24-year-old father from Venezuela, is charged with using fake documents to enroll at Perrysburg High School as a minor under the name of a 17-year-old trafficking victim. During his 16-month deception, he joined athletic programs and secured government documents, including a driver's license and Social Security number.

His true identity was revealed in May 2025 after the mother of his child came forward, prompting a police investigation that led to his arrest and court appearance. Sierra has pleaded not guilty and remains under bond as authorities examine additional evidence and consider immigration consequences, including potential deportation.