If you live in Perrysburg, Ohio, you might be surprised to learn that a 24-year-old man pretended to be a 16-year-old high school student. Anthony Emmanuel Labrador Sierra contacted Perrysburg Schools last November, claiming to be a homeless Venezuelan immigrant and a human trafficking victim. Using a forged birth certificate, he enrolled as a student in January 2024.
How the Deception Unraveled
According to Perrysburg Police, Labrador provided a Venezuelan birth certificate dated December 2, 2007, and started school in January while living with a local couple, Kathy and Brad Melfred. The Melfreds were granted permanent guardianship and helped him get a social security number and Ohio driver’s license.
The truth emerged in May when a woman named Evelyn Camacho contacted the Melfreds, claiming Labrador was actually 24 and the father of her child. She sent his real driver’s license showing a March 27, 2001, birthdate and photos of the family.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Police worked with U.S. Border Patrol, who confirmed Labrador’s real age and that his work visa expired the same year he tried enrolling. On May 20, police arrested him on Interstate 75 on forgery charges. Labrador was active on the high school’s junior varsity soccer and swim teams.
What This Means for Perrysburg Residents
This case highlights gaps in verifying student identities in schools and raises awareness about immigration issues in the community. Residents should stay informed about local school policies and remain alert to similar situations.
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This article was written by John Deluca. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.
