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Perrysburg, Ohio – A Venezuelan man is facing forgery charges after allegedly posing as a 16-year-old high school student for months. Police say 24-year-old Anthony Emmanuel Labrador Sierra enrolled at Perrysburg High School in January, claiming to be a homeless immigrant and victim of human trafficking. He even provided a Venezuelan birth certificate indicating a 2007 birthdate.
Labrador’s story touched the hearts of a local couple, Kathy and Brad Melfred, who took him in and were eventually granted guardianship. They even helped him obtain a Social Security number and an Ohio driver’s license. However, the charade unraveled when a woman claiming to be the mother of Labrador’s child contacted the Melfreds, providing evidence of his true age and identity.
Authorities confirmed Labrador’s actual birthdate of March 27, 2001, and revealed his work visa had expired in 2023. He was arrested Monday while traveling on Interstate 75.
Adding another layer to this unusual story, Labrador was a member of both the junior varsity soccer and swim teams. The school district has notified the Ohio High School Athletic Association of the situation.
Labrador is currently in custody at the Wood County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on May 29th. It is not yet known if he has legal representation.