TOLEDO, Ohio — A 24-year-old Venezuelan man accused of posing as a teenager to enroll at Perrysburg High School appeared before a federal judge Tuesday facing multiple charges related to firearm possession and document fraud.
Anthony Labrador Sierra reportedly used a fake birth certificate to obtain Temporary Protective Status (TPS) as an immigrant and falsified information on federal documents to purchase a firearm. The investigation began after Perrysburg police arrested Labrador Sierra last week for allegedly misrepresenting his age to attend high school.
Authorities said that after the mother of Labrador Sierra’s child contacted the Perrysburg family, the legal guardians discovered a gun and several fake identification cards in his room. This evidence was subsequently turned over to law enforcement officials.
Labrador Sierra faces three federal charges: possession of an illegal firearm, making a false statement when purchasing a gun, and providing a false document. During Tuesday’s hearing, Magistrate Judge Darnell Clay reviewed the charges and offered Labrador Sierra the option to schedule a preliminary hearing, which he waived. The case will now proceed to the grand jury.
The court also discussed a detention hearing, which Labrador Sierra’s appointed attorney requested to postpone. This hearing will determine whether he will remain in custody or be released pending further proceedings.
Federal prosecutors argued against releasing Labrador Sierra, citing his illegal acquisition of a firearm, use of false documentation, and risk of fleeing. When Judge Clay asked if Labrador Sierra had any questions, he responded, “Nah, I think I’m good.”
Labrador Sierra remains in custody at the Lucas County Jail as the legal process continues.