Venezuelan man who allegedly posed as teen participated in Ohio high school swimming events

A 24-year-old Venezuelan antheral who allegedly posed arsenic an Ohio precocious schoolhouse pupil competed connected the boys' swimming squad and participated successful authorities sectionals.

Perrysburg Schools confirmed connected Tuesday that Anthony Emmanuel Labrador Sierra was connected the Perrysburg High School aquatics squad and the inferior varsity shot team. He competed successful the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events of the Ohio High School Athletics Association (OHSAA) Fremont B Sectional backmost successful February.

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Anthony Emmanuel Labrador Sierra, a 24-year-old from Venezuela, is accused of utilizing forged documents to enroll successful a precocious schoolhouse successful Ohio arsenic a 16-year-old, who would present beryllium 17 years old. (Wood County Jail)

A stat expanse from the lawsuit listed him arsenic "Tony Labrador" and a junior. He recorded a clip of 29.10 successful the 50-yard freestyle, finishing successful 11th spot and up of a chap Perrysburg swimmer. He finished successful 11th spot successful the 100-yard freestyle with a clip of 1:07.35.

Fox News Digital reached retired to the OHSAA for comment.

Labrador Sierra was enrolled astatine Perrysburg High School nether the sanction and property of a 16-year-old unaccompanied insignificant connected Jan. 11, 2024, successful accordance with national and authorities requirements for enrolling students experiencing homelessness oregon without a ineligible guardian, the schoolhouse said successful a statement.

After a preliminary investigation, a fraud lawsuit was established and handed implicit to the department’s detectives for further investigation.

VENEZUELAN MAN ARRESTED AFTER POSING AS TEEN TO ENROLL IN OHIO HIGH SCHOOL

The antheral was charged with forgery and is being held connected $50,000 bond. Perrysburg constabulary said officials were contacted by Perrysburg Local Schools connected Monday astir imaginable fraudulent activity. Detectives worked with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and it was discovered that Labrador Sierra was a 24-year-old from Venezuela.

Investigators besides learned Labrador Sierra used fraudulent documents to enroll successful Perrysburg Schools and was posing arsenic a 16-year-old student.

Between Jan. 11, 2024 and May 14, 2025, the schoolhouse said Labrador Sierra obtained documentation and support, further complicating the situation. For instance, helium obtained a state-issued driver’s license, societal information fig and Temporary Protective Status (TPS) from U.S. Immigration.

The schoolhouse besides said Labrador Sierra completed an exertion for a visa with assistance from Advocating Opportunities, which provides escaped ineligible assistance. The Wood County Juvenile Court granted guardianship of Labrador Sierra to a Perrysburg family.

"Tony Labrador" swam for Perrysburg High School and was connected the JV shot team.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told Fox News they person located Labrador Sierra's accusation nether a antithetic spelling of his name. They added that Labrador Sierra is simply a visa overstay who archetypal came to the U.S. successful 2019. DHS besides confirmed Labrador has received TPS.

Labrador Sierra denied the allegation connected May 15, the schools said. He was yet arrested during a postulation halt this week. 

"What’s astir heartbreaking is however galore responded successful bully faith," Perrysburg School said. "Staff and section families offered enactment to idiosyncratic they believed was a susceptible teen. Their compassion reflects the champion of our community. Though spot was violated, we stay arrogant of those who chose to help."

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Labrador Sierra is acceptable for a tribunal proceeding connected May 29.

Fox News’ Greg Wehner and Bill Melugin contributed to this report.

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