NEWS & ALERTS
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09 Oct2025
24-year-old defendant was enrolled as a student at a local high school
TOLEDO, Ohio — A 24-year-old Venezuelan man residing unlawfully in Perrysburg, Ohio, and who was enrolled as a student at a local high school has pleaded guilty to lying on immigration forms and on applications to purchase a firearm. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided key assistance during the investigation.
In June, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Anthony Emmanuel Labrador-Sierra, a Venezuelan national, with possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully in the United States, making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, and two counts of making or using false writings or documents. The defendant pleaded guilty to all charges Sept. 22 before U.S. District Judge James R. Knepp.
According to the indictment, the defendant submitted a false date of birth to USCIS on federal applications for Temporary Protected Status and Employment Authorization Documents in 2024 and 2025.
In the original criminal complaint and underlying affidavit filed in May, investigators found that Perrysburg Schools reported to the Perrysburg Police Department that they received information that Labrador-Sierra, a student attending Perrysburg High School, was not a minor, but was instead a 24-year-old man who had enrolled under false pretenses.
Labrador-Sierra faces up to 15 years in prison for possession of a firearm by an alien; up to 10 years in prison for making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm; and up to five years in prison for using false documents. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2026.
This case is being investigated by the City of Perrysburg Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection−Sandusky Bay Station, the FBI Toledo Field Office, the ATF, with assistance from the Wood County Prosecutor’s Office.
Protecting the integrity of the immigration process is a priority for USCIS. To report suspected immigration benefit fraud or abuse to USCIS, please use the USCIS Tip Form.
If you need more information or have any questions call 407-226-3659 to schedule a free consultation at our Orlando or Tampa office.
