Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) has formally requested an investigation from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel into how a 24-year-old Venezuelan national, reportedly in the U.S. illegally, was able to pose as a 16-year-old high school student for more than a year.
In a letter sent to the agency Wednesday, Moreno described the “horrifying situation.” “I ask that you take any and all lawful measures to enforce our federal immigration and criminal laws against an alleged Venezuelan illegal alien, adult male, that may have defrauded federal and state government agencies, while allegedly preying on minor(s) in Ohio.”
According to a report from Fox News, the individual—identified in documents as Anthony Emmanuel Labrador Sierra and also known as “Tony Labrador”—was enrolled in high school, joined the boys’ swimming team, and even competed at the state sectionals.
Beyond just participating in school sports, the report also indicates the man utilized fraudulent documentation to maintain his false identity.
Fox News reports:
Labrador Sierra was 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, the school said in a statement.
After a preliminary investigation, a fraud case was established and handed over to the department’s detectives for further investigation.
The man was charged with forgery and is being held on $50,000 bond. Perrysburg police said officials were contacted by Perrysburg Local Schools on Monday about possible 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 also learned Labrador Sierra used fraudulent documents to enroll in Perrysburg Schools and was posing as a 16-year-old student.
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 Labrador Sierra 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.
The Department of Homeland Security (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 Labrador has received TPS.
Labrador Sierra denied the allegation on May 15, the schools said. He was ultimately arrested during a traffic stop this week.
