PERRYSBURG, OH (LOOTPRESS) – A man who posed as a 16-year-old unaccompanied minor to enroll at Perrysburg High School has been arrested and charged with felony forgery, following a multi-agency investigation into what school officials are calling a “highly deceptive and unusual” case.
Anthony Labrador, who enrolled at the high school on January 11, 2024, used falsified documents to gain access to education and government services intended for minors. He remained enrolled through May 14, 2025, during which time he participated in school activities, including the JV soccer and swim teams, and received legal and community support designed for vulnerable youth.
Labrador reportedly obtained:
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An Ohio driver’s license
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A Social Security number
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Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from the U.S. Immigration Department
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Legal guardianship through Wood County Juvenile Court
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Assistance from Advocating Opportunities, a legal aid organization that supports immigrant youth
The scheme unraveled on May 14, when the Perrysburg family who had accepted guardianship contacted the school district, reporting newly surfaced information suggesting Labrador was not a teenager, but a 24-year-old adult.
The next day, school administrators met with Labrador, who denied the allegation and maintained that the birth certificate used during enrollment was legitimate. He was immediately barred from school property while the district launched an internal review.
Further investigation by the district—including social media evidence and claims from individuals identifying as Labrador’s family—prompted officials to notify the Perrysburg Police Division, which opened its own case. Labrador was arrested on May 19.
Perrysburg Schools issued a statement affirming that it had followed all legal protocols under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which ensures access to education for youth experiencing homelessness or lacking legal guardianship.
“What’s most heartbreaking is how many responded in good faith,” the district stated. “Staff and local families offered support to someone they believed was a vulnerable teen. Their compassion reflects the best of our community.”
The case has been referred to the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) for review, as Labrador had participated in school athletics.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, and additional charges may be considered. Questions related to the ongoing case are being directed to the Perrysburg Police Division.
