A 24-year-old Venezuelan man, Anthony Labrador, is facing felony forgery charges after allegedly posing as a teenager to enroll at Perrysburg High School. Labrador was arrested by the Perrysburg Police Department on May 19, 2025, following a traffic stop. He appeared before a Wood County judge on May 20, where he pleaded not guilty.
School officials became suspicious after legal guardians who had taken him in reported that they received information implying he was not a minor. Labrador had been living with these guardians since March 2024, having claimed he was 16 years old and hoping to escape an alleged trafficking situation in Venezuela. Throughout the enrollment process, he provided what he said were a Venezuelan birth certificate and various identification documents, including an Ohio driver’s license and Social Security number.
After an investigation, authorities discovered that he was actually 24 years old, having documents indicating a birthdate of March 27, 2001. The case raised concerns, prompting a review of school enrollment practices. Perrysburg Superintendent Tom Hosler highlighted that the district had acted in accordance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which aims to protect the educational rights of homeless students.
A judge has set a bond of $50,000 for Labrador, stipulating that if released, he must wear an ankle monitor and remain 2 miles away from the school and his former guardians’ residence. He is currently held under an immigration detainer due to his expired visa status.
This incident underscores the complexities surrounding educational enrollment, especially for individuals from vulnerable situations. The collaboration between the local police and school officials demonstrates a proactive approach to safeguarding the community’s welfare while ensuring legal protocols are honored.