Anthony Labrador-Sierra, a 24-year-old illegal immigrant from Venezuela, was caught impersonating a high school student in Ohio and is now facing federal prosecution after local charges were dropped. Arrested on May 21, he allegedly enrolled in Perrysburg High School using forged documents to pose as a 16-year-old. Following this revelation, Perrysburg Municipal Court confirmed that his case would proceed in federal court, with Labrador-Sierra waiving his right to a preliminary hearing. He will now appear before a grand jury to determine the next steps in his case.
The incident came to light when Perrysburg Schools informed the police about suspicions regarding Labrador-Sierra’s true identity. Working alongside federal agencies, investigations found that he had submitted fraudulent enrollment documents to the school. Upon confirming the allegations, the school district acted swiftly, prohibiting him from school premises while they initiated further inquiry, emphasizing their commitment to student safety and security.
The implications of the case have drawn significant political attention, with Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno expressing shock at the situation. He criticized federal immigration policy and raised concerns with the Department of Homeland Security and FBI leaders, advocating for immediate investigations and enforcement of immigration and criminal laws against Labrador-Sierra. The school’s superintendent, Tom Hosler, stated that the incident reflected a much larger issue, highlighting the need for stringent security measures.
Authorities discovered that Labrador-Sierra had also misrepresented his age while applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Employment Authorization Documents for the next two years. His struggle to navigate the U.S. immigration system included using a different name spelling, signifying potential complexities in his legal status. Investigators labeled the case as possibly just the tip of the iceberg, indicating deeper issues related to immigration fraud.
As the investigation continues, Perrysburg Police Chief Pat Jones remarked on the potentially more extensive implications of the case. The school district has expressed collective frustration and anger over the exploitation of systems meant to protect vulnerable youth, with officials stressing the importance of remaining fact-focused amidst rising emotions within the community concerning the incident.
Currently held in the Lucas County Jail, Labrador-Sierra faces severe penalties if convicted of various charges, including possession of a firearm by an alien and making false statements during a gun purchase. With the investigation ongoing, authorities have invited the public to provide any relevant information, ensuring that transparency and diligence are maintained as they navigate this complex and unsettling situation.
