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Immigration

Venezuelan National Pleads Guilty to Immigration and Firearm Form Lies

In Perrysburg, Ohio, Anthony Labrador-Sierra, 24, pled guilty in September 2025 to lying on immigration and gun purchase forms and possessing a firearm while unlawfully in the U.S. Prosecutors say he falsified ATF Form 4473 and USCIS filings. The June 2025 four-count indictment was handled by the Northern District of Ohio; he faces up to 30 years. The plea moves the case to sentencing, where courts will weigh relevant factors.

Last updated: October 9, 2025 4:00 pm
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Key takeaways
Anthony Emmanuel Labrador-Sierra, 24, pled guilty in September 2025 to lying on immigration and firearms forms.
He admitted falsifying ATF Form 4473 and immigration filings; faces up to 30 years in federal prison.
Case began with a four-count June 2025 indictment handled by U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Ohio.

(PERRYSBURG, OHIO) A 24-year-old Venezuelan national, Anthony Emmanuel Labrador-Sierra, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to lying on immigration and firearms forms and to possessing a gun while in the United States without legal status. Federal prosecutors said the case began with a four-count indictment returned in June 2025 and ended with Labrador-Sierra admitting to all charges in federal court. He lived in Perrysburg, Ohio, and was enrolled as a student at Perrysburg High School at the time.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio brought the case, describing it as part of ongoing enforcement focused on immigration and gun laws. According to court filings, Labrador-Sierra admitted he gave false information on federal paperwork used to buy a firearm and on immigration documents filed with U.S. authorities. He now faces up to 30 years in federal prison based on the combined counts.

Venezuelan National Pleads Guilty to Immigration and Firearm Form Lies
Venezuelan National Pleads Guilty to Immigration and Firearm Form Lies

Federal Charges and Guilty Plea

Prosecutors said the June 2025 indictment charged Labrador-Sierra with:

  • Possession of a firearm by a person unlawfully in the United States
  • Making false statements on immigration documents
  • Making false statements on federal forms used to purchase a firearm
  • A related false statement count tied to the same set of filings

In court, Labrador-Sierra admitted he lied on key documents in both systems. For gun purchases, buyers must complete the federal ATF Form 4473, the Firearms Transaction Record, which asks about identity, criminal history, and immigration status. Providing false answers on this form is a felony. The form is required nationwide and is available from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the official form is posted by ATF here: ATF Form 4473.

Prosecutors also said Labrador-Sierra lied on immigration filings. While the specific forms were not listed in public summaries, applicants seeking immigration benefits must complete official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) forms, which include sworn statements under penalty of perjury. False answers can lead to criminal charges, denial of benefits, and removal from the country. The full list of USCIS forms and instructions is available here: USCIS Forms.

💡 Tip
Before signing any immigration or gun purchase forms, have a licensed attorney review the questions you’re answering to avoid inadvertent false statements that could lead to felony charges.

The guilty plea removes the need for a trial and puts the case on a path to sentencing. A federal judge will weigh several factors, including:

  • Offense conduct
  • Criminal history (if any)
  • Federal sentencing guidelines
  • Nature of the false statements
  • The firearm involved
  • Labrador-Sierra’s immigration status

The court can consider those factors when deciding the sentence within the statutory limits.

The guilty plea and the statutory maximum sentence underscore that false statements under oath and unlawful firearm possession are treated seriously by federal authorities.

Context, Enforcement, and Community Impact

Federal authorities often bring related counts together when conduct spans both immigration and firearms rules. In this case, officials said the combination of lying on immigration forms and misstatements on gun purchase paperwork made the case a priority.

Analysis by VisaVerge.com indicates federal prosecutors across several districts have pursued similar cases where a person’s status barred them from lawful gun possession, and the same person then gave false answers on required purchase forms to obtain a firearm.

For community members in Perrysburg, Ohio, the case raises practical questions about federal requirements and ways to avoid legal trouble. Key points:

  • Gun purchase paperwork is sworn truth.
    • Every buyer must complete ATF Form 4473.
    • Lying about immigration status, identity, or other listed questions can trigger felony charges.
  • Status matters for possession.
    • People in the United States without status cannot legally possess firearms under federal law, regardless of local or state rules.
  • Immigration forms are legal records.
    • USCIS forms require detailed biographic and status information.
    • False answers can lead to criminal charges, denial of benefits, and removal.
⚠️ Important
Do not attempt to purchase or possess a firearm if your immigration status restricts you; even attempts can trigger federal charges for misrepresentation and unlawful possession.

Cases like this also highlight how schools and local agencies can be affected when federal charges involve a student. Officials did not allege any conduct at Perrysburg High School, but Labrador-Sierra’s enrollment there when the offenses occurred underscores how these matters can touch local institutions beyond the courthouse. School officials typically:

  • Defer to law enforcement and the courts
  • Ensure student safety and privacy under applicable laws

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio has emphasized that false statements under oath undermine the legal system. When guns are involved, prosecutors often act quickly because misstatements on ATF Form 4473 can enable unlawful purchases. DOJ policy also encourages coordination with federal and local partners on cases that mix immigration status and firearms issues, given the perceived higher risk.

Practical Takeaways for Immigrants and Families

For immigrants and mixed-status families, this case carries several practical reminders:

  • Keep immigration documents current and truthful.
    • If a mistake was made on a filing, correct it promptly rather than risk a false statement charge.
  • Seek legal advice before signing any form.
    • Immigration rules are complex; a licensed attorney or accredited representative can explain questions in plain terms.
  • Do not attempt a firearm purchase if your status makes you ineligible.
    • Federal law bars possession by certain noncitizens; attempting to buy a gun anyway can lead to charges for both the attempt and the false statement.

Defense attorneys in similar cases often argue for leniency by highlighting factors such as:

  • Client’s age
  • Lack of prior record
  • Cooperation with authorities

Judges will consider those mitigating factors, but the combination of immigration and gun violations tends to draw strong responses from federal courts. Sentencing will depend on the facts in the record, including the number of false statements and any risk linked to the firearm.

Where to Find Official Information and Next Steps

For reporters and the public, the official record remains the best source of updates. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio handles media requests and posts case information and contacts on its website.

Helpful official resources:

  • Federal gun purchase instructions: ATF Form 4473 — ATF Form 4473
  • Immigration forms and guidance: USCIS Forms — USCIS Forms

As this case proceeds to sentencing, it stands as a clear warning: sworn statements are binding. A false answer on an immigration application can follow a person for years, and a wrong response on a gun form can become a felony count.

For Anthony Emmanuel Labrador-Sierra in Perrysburg, Ohio, the consequences now include:

  • A felony record
  • Possible removal from the country after any sentence
  • A potential maximum of 30 years in federal prison based on the counts he admitted

Officials encourage anyone with questions about immigration filings to start with official resources and, when needed, to consult legal counsel. For firearm purchases, read the form, tell the truth, and if you’re unsure whether you’re allowed to own a gun, seek legal advice before applying.

VisaVerge.com
Learn Today
ATF Form 4473 → Federal Firearms Transaction Record buyers must complete when purchasing a firearm; false answers on it are a felony.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency that processes immigration forms and benefits applications.
Indictment → A formal charge issued by a grand jury that starts prosecution on criminal counts.
False statement (under oath) → Providing untrue information on official forms or sworn declarations, which can be prosecuted as a crime.
Possession while unlawfully in the U.S. → A federal offense when a noncitizen without legal status possesses a firearm.
Federal sentencing guidelines → Rules that help judges determine recommended sentence ranges based on offense and criminal history.
Northern District of Ohio → The federal judicial district that prosecuted this case, covering northern Ohio counties.

This Article in a Nutshell

Anthony Emmanuel Labrador-Sierra, a 24-year-old Venezuelan living in Perrysburg, Ohio, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to a four-count federal indictment from June 2025 charging him with possessing a firearm while unlawfully in the United States and making false statements on immigration and firearm purchase forms. Prosecutors say he falsified ATF Form 4473 and immigration filings submitted to USCIS. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio prosecuted the case as part of enforcement linking immigration status and firearms violations. Labrador-Sierra faces a combined statutory maximum of up to 30 years in federal prison. The guilty plea eliminates a trial and sets the case for sentencing, where judges will consider offense conduct, any criminal history, federal guidelines, the firearm, and immigration status. Authorities and community guidance stress accurate, current immigration documents and seeking legal counsel before filing forms or attempting firearm purchases.

— VisaVerge.com
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Jim Grey
ByJim Grey
Senior Editor
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Jim Grey serves as the Senior Editor at VisaVerge.com, where his expertise in editorial strategy and content management shines. With a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of the immigration and travel sectors, Jim plays a pivotal role in refining and enhancing the website's content. His guidance ensures that each piece is informative, engaging, and aligns with the highest journalistic standards.
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