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A 24-year-old Venezuelan man who allegedly stood as a high school student in Ohio, competed for the boys’ swimming team and participated in state sections.
Perrysburg schools confirmed on Tuesday that Anthony Emmanuel Labrador Sierra was on Perrysburg High School Swimming Team and Junior Varsity Football Team. He competed in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events in the Ohio High School Athletics Association (OHSAA) Fremont B section back in February.
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Anthony Emmanuel Labrador Sierra, a 24-year-old from Venezuela, is accused of having used forged documents to sign up for a high school in Ohio as a 16-year-old, who would now be 17 years old. (Wood County Prison)
A state sheet from the event erected him as “Tony Labrador” and a junior. He recorded a time of 29.10 in 50-yard freestyle, where he finished in 11th place and in front of a guy Perrysburg swims. He finished in 11-yard freestyle with a time of 1: 07.35.
Pakinomist Digital reached Ohsaa for comment.
Labrador Sierra was enrolled in Perrysburg High School under the name and age of a 16-year-old unaccompanied minor on January 11, 2024, in accordance with federal and state requirements for registration of students experiencing homelessness or without a legal guardian, the school said in a statement.
Following a preliminary investigation, a fraud case was established that was created and handed over to the department’s detectives for further investigation.
Venezuelan man arrested after posing as a teenager to sign up for Ohio High School
The man was charged with forgery and is held at $ 50,000 bond. The Perrysburg police said officials were contacted by Perrysburg local schools Monday on possible fraudulent activity. Detectives worked with US customs and border protection and US immigration and customs enforcement, and it was discovered that Labrador Sierra was a 24-year-old from Venezuela.
Investigators also learned Labrador Sierra used fake documents to sign up for Perrysburg schools and posed as a 16-year-old student.
Between January 11, 2024 and May 14, 2025, the school said Labrador Sierra obtained documentation and support, which further complicated the situation. For example, he obtained a state -issued driver’s license, social security number and temporary protection status (TPS) from US immigration.
The school also said Labrador Sierra made an application for a visa with the help of spokesmen who provide free legal assistance. Wood County Juvenile Court awarded guardianship of Labrador Sierra to a Perrysburg family.
“Tony Labrador” swam for Perrysburg High School and was on the JV football team.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told Pakinomist that they have found Labrador Sierra’s information under another spelling of his name. They added that Labrador Sierra is a Visa Overstay that first came to the United States in 2019. DHS also confirmed that Labrador has received TPS.
Labrador Sierra denied the claim on May 15, the schools said. He was eventually arrested during a traffic stop this week.
“What is most heartbreaking is how many responded in good faith,” said Perrysburg School. “Staff and local families offered support to someone who they thought was a vulnerable teenager. Their compassion reflects the best in our community. Although confidence was violated, we remain proud of those who chose to help.”
Labrador Sierra is ready for a hearing on May 29.
