An illegal immigrant from Venezuela who was allegedly caught posing as a high school student in Ohio will no longer face local charges and is now being prosecuted in a federal court.
Anthony Labrador-Sierra, 24, was arrested May 21, after he allegedly enrolled in a public high school using fraudulent documents.
On Thursday, the Perrysburg Municipal Court confirmed to Fox News Digital all local charges had been dropped against Labrador-Sierra and that his case had been handed over to federal authorities.
Labrador-Sierra faced a judge in the case and waived his right to a preliminary hearing, according to WTVG.
Perrysburg Police Chief Pat Jones told FOX 8 News Wednesday that what investigators have learned about the case so far appears to be “just the tip of the iceberg.”
The school district released a statement explaining that it shares “the anger and frustration expressed by many in our community.”
“This individual is accused of misrepresenting his identity, forging documents, and exploiting systems designed to protect vulnerable youth. While emotions are high, it’s important that we remain grounded in facts as this complex situation continues to unfold,” the district wrote in an updated statement.
Anthony Labrador-Sierra swam for the Ohio high school. (Imagn)
The complaint further alleges that Labrador-Sierra does not have lawful status to purchase, own or possess a gun in the United States.
The agency noted he submitted false information on an Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) form to buy a gun.
He is being held in the Lucas County Jail.
If convicted, Labrador-Sierra would face up to 15 years in prison for possession of a gun by an alien, 10 years in prison for making a false statement during the purchase of a gun and up to five years in prison for using false documents, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
“We recognize that more information may still come to light, and we remain committed to learning everything we can as this situation continues to unfold. We will share additional information as we are able,” the school district wrote.
The agency added that the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about the case is encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-225-5324.
Fox News’ Bill Melugin and Greg Wehner contributed to this report.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to [email protected]
