Venezuelan man faces federal charges for posing as a teen in Ohio high school

In the United States, a Venezuelan man named Anthony Emmanuel Labrador-Sierra, aged 24, was indicted for various criminal charges, including illegal firearm possession and document fraud. He had been residing in Perrysburg, Ohio, and attending school while claiming he was much younger. In 2024, under the pretense of being an unaccompanied minor, he enrolled in Perrysburg High School as a 16-year-old. He participated in school activities, including sports, all while using falsified documents to substantiate his claims. The situation came to light when the appointed guardians reported doubts about his age to the school district in May 2025. Labrador-Sierra's scheme involved submitting false information to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to obtain Temporary Protective Status and Employment Authorization Documents, further complicating the legal implications of his actions. He was apprehended after evidence indicated that he had possession of a Taurus G3C 9mm semiautomatic pistol, which he was prohibited from having due to his illegal status in the country. Authorities acted swiftly, leading to a federal indictment by a grand jury, which characterized his actions as a serious violation of multiple federal laws. As law enforcement agencies collaborated during the investigation, it was revealed that he had acquired a state-issued driver's license, Social Security number, and other documentation using fraudulent means. This raised alarm among school officials and increased scrutiny on his documentation as he was portrayed as a young minor in a public educational setting. The ordeal emphasizes the significant legal ramifications faced by undocumented immigrants in the U.S., particularly when they engage in fraudulent schemes that compromise the integrity of educational institutions. Labrador-Sierra faces severe penalties if convicted, including a potential 15-year sentence for firearm possession by an unlawful alien and additional charges related to false statements during firearm procurement.