Latest news with #AnthonyLabradorSierra
Fox News
26-06-2025
- Fox News
Illegal immigrant who enrolled in Ohio high school claiming to be a teenager hit with federal gun charges
A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment against 24-year-old Anthony Emmanuel Labrador Sierra, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela who was residing in Perrysburg, Ohio, where he also attended high school claiming to be a teenager until last month. The grand jury returned the indictment this week, charging Labrador Sierra with possession of a firearm by an alien who is in the U.S. unlawfully, making a false statement while purchasing a firearm, and making or using false documents, the DOJ said in a news release. The indictment alleges that Labrador Sierra submitted a false date of birth to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on federal applications to acquire Temporary Protective Status and Employment Authorization Documents in 2024 and 2025. The suspect also allegedly possessed a Taurus G3C 9mm semiautomatic pistol, which he was not allowed to have, since he was in the U.S. illegally, and the DOJ alleges that Labrador Sierra submitted false information to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to purchase the firearm. He allegedly provided false statements on a federal form to purchase the firearm and made statements to deceive the licensed firearms dealer at the point of sale. For example, the indictment alleges that Labrador Sierra said he was not a U.S. citizen or national; was not illegally or unlawfully in the U.S.; and was not an alien who entered the U.S. under a non-immigrant visa. If Labrador Sierra is convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison for possessing a firearm as an illegal alien. He could also face 10 years in prison for making a false statement while purchasing a firearm and up to five years in prison for making or using false documents or writings. Earlier, court documents showed that Labrador Sierra had been charged with forgery after he allegedly enrolled in a public high school using fraudulent documents. The Perrysburg Police Department said last month that it had been contacted by the Perrysburg Local Schools about possible fraudulent activity involving one of its students. A fraud case was ultimately established and handed over to the department's detectives for further investigation. Detectives worked with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and it was discovered that Labrador was a 24-year-old from Venezuela. Investigators also learned that Labrador Sierra had used fraudulent documents to enroll in Perrysburg Schools and was posing as a 16-year-old student. Perrysburg School officials said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital that Labrador Sierra had been enrolled at Perrysburg High School under the name and age of a 16-year-old unaccompanied minor on Jan. 11, 2024, in accordance with federal and state requirements for enrolling students experiencing homelessness or without a legal guardian. Between Jan. 11, 2024, and May 14, 2025, the school said, Labrador Sierra obtained documentation and support, further complicating the situation. For instance, he obtained a state-issued driver's license, social security number and Temporary Protective Status (TPS) from U.S. Immigration. The school also said that Labrador had completed an application for a visa with help from Advocating Opportunities, which provides free legal assistance. The Wood County Juvenile Court granted guardianship of Labrador Sierra to a Perrysburg family. School officials said the guardians had contacted the school on May 14 to report that they had received information indicating Labrador Sierra was not a minor, but instead a 24-year-old man. Labrador Sierra reportedly denied the allegation when district administrators met with him on May 15. The school district issued a statement shortly after his arrest, noting that Labrador Sierra had been a member of the junior varsity soccer and swim teams. Labrador Sierra was ultimately taken into custody during a traffic stop on Interstate 75 on Tuesday afternoon. DHS told Fox News they have located Labrador Sierra's information under a different spelling of his name. They added that Labrador Sierra is a visa overstay who first came to the U.S. in 2019. DHS also confirmed that Labrador Sierra has received TPS.
CBS News
26-06-2025
- CBS News
Venezuelan man accused of posing as Ohio high school student indicted on federal charges
A federal indictment has been issued in the case of a Venezuelan man who claimed to be several years younger than his real age and attended high school in Northwest Ohio. This is among the legal implications that were faced by Anthony Emmanuel Labrador-Sierra, 24, who had been living in Perrysburg, Ohio, and attended Perrysburg Schools. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio issued a press release Wednesday on the case, explaining he was charged with possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully in the United States, making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, and making or using false writings or documents. Specifically, Labrador-Sierra is accused of submitting a false date of birth to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on federal applications for Temporary Protective Status and Employment Authorization Documents in 2024 and 2025. Under the claim that he was an unaccompanied minor, Labrador-Sierra was placed into the custody of the Wood County court system and enrolled in school in 2004. He was even involved in school sports. The scheme unraveled in May after his appointed guardians informed the school district that he might not be of high school age. Law enforcement immediately got involved. This case is under investigation by the City of Perrysburg Police Department, United States Border Patrol−Sandusky Bay Station, the FBI Toledo Field Office, and the ATF, with assistance from the Wood County Prosecutor's Office. At one point, he was facing an Ohio state charge of felony forgery. But WTOL, the CBS affiliate in Toledo, reported the Wood County prosecutor's office dropped that case as authorities pursued federal charges. If convicted of the currently pending charges, he faces up to 15 years in prison for possession of a firearm by an alien; 10 years in prison for making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm; and up to five years in prison for making or using false writings or documents.
Fox News
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Local charges dropped as feds target Venezuelan accused of posing as teen at Ohio high school
An illegal immigrant from Venezuela who was allegedly caught posing as a high school student in Ohio will no longer face local charges and is now being prosecuted in a federal court. Anthony Labrador-Sierra, 24, was arrested May 21, after he allegedly enrolled in a public high school using fraudulent documents. On Thursday, the Perrysburg Municipal Court confirmed to Fox News Digital all local charges had been dropped against Labrador-Sierra and that his case had been handed over to federal authorities. Labrador-Sierra faced a judge in the case and waived his right to a preliminary hearing, according to WTVG. He will now appear before a grand jury that will oversee his case. According to a criminal complaint, Perrysburg Schools reported to the Perrysburg Police Department that they had received information that Labrador-Sierra, a student attending Perrysburg High School, was actually a 24-year-old man who fraudulently enrolled. Detectives worked with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and discovered Labrador-Sierra is a 24-year-old from Venezuela. Investigators also learned Labrador-Sierra allegedly used fraudulent documents to enroll in Perrysburg schools and was posing as a 16-year-old student. Tom Hosler, superintendent of Perrysburg Schools, emphasized the district took swift action once learning Labrador-Sierra's real identity. "I want to emphasize this: Immediately upon learning that this student may have concealed his identity and misled us, we acted. We met with the student, and he was then not permitted on any school property while we investigated. Very shortly after, we contacted law enforcement," Hosler wrote in a statement on the school district's website. "Nothing is more important than the safety and security of our students. When we learn of a concerning situation, we act." Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, called the discovery and allegations "shocking." The senator shared a letter he sent to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel on X, writing, "Unreal. Thanks to Joe Biden's abuse of TPS, a 24-year-old illegal alien was caught on a fake asylum claim pretending to be a teenager at a high school in Ohio." Moreno called on Noem and Patel to launch investigations immediately, asking them to take any and all lawful measures to enforce federal immigration and criminal laws against Labrador-Sierra. Hosler added that Labrador-Sierra weaved "a complex tapestry of lies." The U.S. Attorney's Office of the Northern District of Ohio also noted that Labrador-Sierra is alleged to have submitted false information to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services about his date of birth in applications for Temporary Protective Status (TPS) and Employment Authorization Documents in 2024 and 2025. DHS told Fox News it has located Labrador-Sierra's information under a different spelling of his name, adding he is a visa overstay who first came to the U.S. in 2019. Perrysburg Police Chief Pat Jones told FOX 8 News Wednesday that what investigators have learned about the case so far appears to be "just the tip of the iceberg." The school district released a statement explaining that it shares "the anger and frustration expressed by many in our community." "This individual is accused of misrepresenting his identity, forging documents, and exploiting systems designed to protect vulnerable youth. While emotions are high, it's important that we remain grounded in facts as this complex situation continues to unfold," the district wrote in an updated statement. The complaint further alleges that Labrador-Sierra does not have lawful status to purchase, own or possess a gun in the United States. The agency noted he submitted false information on an Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) form to buy a gun. He is being held in the Lucas County Jail. If convicted, Labrador-Sierra would face up to 15 years in prison for possession of a gun by an alien, 10 years in prison for making a false statement during the purchase of a gun and up to five years in prison for using false documents, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. "We recognize that more information may still come to light, and we remain committed to learning everything we can as this situation continues to unfold. We will share additional information as we are able," the school district wrote. The agency added that the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about the case is encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-225-5324. Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to
CBS News
23-05-2025
- CBS News
Venezuelan man claims to be high school age, attends Ohio school for months
A Venezuelan adult is accused of lying about his age to enroll at a Northwest Ohio high school, in addition to lying on immigration forms and on applications to purchase a firearm. Anthony Emmanuel Labrador-Sierra is 24 years old, but had managed to enroll as a student at Perrysburg High School in Perrysburg, a suburb of Toledo, before his actual age was known, according to details related in a press release issued Friday from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio. Perrysburg school officials said he attended classes for months and even was involved in school sports. The U.S. Border Patrol Detroit Sector-Sandusky Bay Station was involved in the investigation. Other agencies involved included Perrysburg Police Department, Perrysburg Schools, the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Toledo Field Office, Wood County (Ohio) Prosecutor's Office and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives within the Department of Justice. Superintendent relates details of his enrollment Perrysburg Superintendent Thomas L. Hosler related the school district's experience and actions in a video statement posted Wednesday. "He went to extraordinary lengths to conceal his identity," Hosler said about the now former student, citing a series of forged documents and false claims about the person's circumstances. "Our school district along with the state and federal agencies and were misled by an intentional act of fraud," the superintendent said. When Labrador-Sierra enrolled at the high school in January 2024, he claimed to be an unaccompanied minor. Hosler said the school district has experience with international student records and transfers. They worked with legal representation on this case because of the complexity. The document checking included an attempt to contact what they believed to be the student's former school in Venezuela. But that school was closed. In the meantime, the student worked with immigration attorneys to get temporary protective status and later filed for a visa. This allowed him to get documents that included an Ohio driver's license and a work permit. For its part, the Wood County (Ohio) juvenile court system assigned the student to a guardianship and a host family. "All parties involved believed him to be a 16-, 17-year old student," the superintendent said. He said the community's trust was broken, citing the compassion and assistance local residents provided during the individual's time on campus. The district attorney's office said in its press release Labrador-Sierra is accused of having submitted false information to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services about his date of birth in connection with applications for Temporary Protective Status and Employment Authorization documents filed during 2024 and 2025. Revocation of student status When school officials received information that the student might not be of high school age and enrolled over false pretenses, they immediately got law enforcement involved. Hosler said they met with the individual, and he was not permitted on school property while that investigation began. "We reviewed our enrollment process and confirmed we followed federal law," he added. A further complication for the school, according to the superintendent, is he had he participated in student athletics. The Ohio High School Athletic Association "confirmed Perrysburg schools followed all procedures and face no penalties," Hosler said. In a related matter, the district attorney's office has looked into a firearms possession detail. "The complaint further alleges that Labrador-Sierra does not have lawful status to purchase, own or possess a firearm in the United States, and that he submitted false information on the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Form 4473 to purchase a firearm. Among the alleged false statements he submitted when he purchased a Taurus 9mm, semiautomatic pistol from a licensed firearms dealer, were that he attested to being a United States citizen or national," the press release said. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison on the charge of possession of firearm by a felon, 10 years in prison on the charge of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, and up to five years in prison on the charge of using false documents. Follow up School and law enforcement officials say the investigation is continuing. The district attorney's office asks that anyone with information on the case call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or go to
New York Times
22-05-2025
- New York Times
Venezuelan Man Is Arrested After Posing as a High School Student in Ohio
A 24-year-old Venezuelan man suspected of using forged documents to claim to be a teenager and enroll as a student at an Ohio high school was arrested on Monday, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Anthony Emmanuel Labrador-Sierra was charged with forgery and later detained by the police in Perrysburg, Ohio, which said that he had been living in the United States illegally since March 24, 2020. Mr. Labrador-Sierra enrolled in January 2024 at Perrysburg High School in the city, which is about 10 miles southwest of Toledo, presenting himself as a 16-year-old student 'experiencing homelessness or without a legal guardian,' according to a statement from the school district. The court system granted guardianship of Mr. Labrador-Sierra to a local family based on documents he had provided, the school district said. More than a year later, on May 14, his guardians, who have not been publicly identified, alerted school officials that they believed Mr. Labrador-Sierra was not a teenager but a 24-year-old adult. The district asked the guardians to keep him from returning to school during an investigation into the discrepancy, school officials said. The next day, school administrators met with Mr. Labrador-Sierra to discuss the concerns. According to the district's statement, he denied the allegations and maintained that the documents he had provided, including a birth certificate showing him as now 17, were valid. It was unclear if Mr. Labrador-Sierra had pleaded in the case and if he had any legal representation. He was being held at the local jail in Wood County, Ohio, the police said. Tom Hosler, superintendent of the Perrysburg Schools, said in a statement posted on the school's website that Mr. Labrador-Sierra went to 'extraordinary lengths to conceal his identity — using forged documents to obtain a social security number, an Ohio driver's license, temporary protective status and even legal guardianship.' 'Nothing is more important than the safety and security of our students,' Mr. Hosler said in the statement. 'When we learn of a concerning situation, we act.' Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is part of the Homeland Security Department, has lodged a detainer, a notice that it seeks to pick up Mr. Labrador-Sierra from custody, according to a statement from Tricia McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for the department.
