Venezuelan man posing as teen in Ohio high school pleads guilty

A 24-year-old Venezuelan man who posed as a 16-year-old student at Perrysburg High School in Ohio pleaded guilty Monday to lying on immigration forms to purchase a firearm and to related charges, prosecutors said. Anthony Emmanuel Labrador-Sierra is charged with possession of a firearm by an alien, making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, and using false documents. Federal prosecutors said he could face up to 30 years in prison at sentencing, which is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2026.

Perrysburg Schools said Labrador-Sierra enrolled Jan. 11, 2024, under the name and age of a 16-year-old unaccompanied minor in accordance with state and federal rules for students experiencing homelessness or without a legal guardian. The district noted that Labrador-Sierra later obtained documentation and support through the school system, and that he worked with immigration attorneys to pursue Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

The school said Labrador-Sierra’s enrollment was part of a broader process to support students without guardians, and that he was eventually connected to TPS, which the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services granted. The TPS status, along with a driver’s license, a Social Security card, and a work permit, were issued after he submitted documentation with help from Advocating Opportunities, which provides free legal assistance. Labrador-Sierra participated in Perrysburg High School’s junior varsity soccer and swim programs during his time at the district.

Guardianship of Labrador-Sierra was granted by Wood County Juvenile Court after the guardians believed they were helping a homeless teen. They notified the school on May 14 that they had learned Labrador-Sierra was not a minor. Labrador-Sierra denied the allegation when district administrators met with him on May 15. He was taken into custody during a traffic stop on Interstate 75 in June.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio said Labrador-Sierra pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by an alien, making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, and using false documents. He allegedly submitted a false date of birth to USCIS on federal forms for TPS and an Employment Authorization Document in 2024 and 2025, according to the indictment. Officials noted that he possessed a Taurus G3C 9mm pistol, which was unlawful given his immigration status at the time.

The case underscores tensions surrounding unaccompanied minors, housing guardianship arrangements, and eligibility for immigration relief programs. Perrysburg Schools, which serves a school district near Toledo, said the Labrador-Sierra matter prompted district officials to review enrollment practices for students without guardians. The sentencing date remains Jan. 23, 2026, with prosecutors continuing to present evidence in connection with the three counts.

Federal officials said Labrador-Sierra used false information to obtain firearms-related benefits and worked with immigration attorneys to secure status that included travel and work authorization. The case illustrates ongoing concerns about individuals exploiting student enrollment pathways and the potential implications for school safety and immigration policy. The court is scheduled to hear additional details at the January 2026 sentencing.