Ian Roberts, Former Des Moines Superintendent, Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison
Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, was sentenced on Friday to two years in federal prison for falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen and illegally possessing firearms. U.S. District Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger handed down the sentence.
Charges and Plea
Roberts pleaded guilty in January to two charges:
- Making a false statement for employment (maximum 5 years)
- Unlawful possession of a firearm while in the country illegally (maximum 15 years)
Together, the charges carried a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors agreed not to pursue additional charges. The government recommended a 3-year sentence; the defense sought probation.
Court Proceedings
During the hearing, Roberts confirmed his understanding of his rights and the plea agreement. Judge Ebinger stated that Roberts knowingly lied about his citizenship to obtain a position of trust, and that probation was insufficient given the letters of support.
Roberts' attorney, Alfredo Parrish, said Roberts "wanted to accept responsibility." He also noted that Roberts had previously believed his immigration case was "resolved successfully" based on advice from prior counsel.
Before sentencing, Roberts said: "I regret what I've done every single day."
Arrest Details and Evidence
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Roberts in September 2024 after a final removal notice was issued. Authorities reported that Roberts initially fled when agents attempted to apprehend him, abandoning his school-issued vehicle. He was later arrested with assistance from the Iowa State Patrol.
During the arrest, police found in his vehicle:
- A loaded handgun
- A hunting knife
- $3,000 cash
A subsequent search of Roberts' home uncovered a second pistol, a rifle, and a shotgun—all of which he will forfeit.
Background and Immigration History
Roberts, a native of Guyana, served as superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools—a district of approximately 30,000 students—for two years. He became the first Black superintendent of the district in 2023.
He submitted a Social Security card and driver's license as verifying documents and stated he was a U.S. citizen on his Employment Eligibility Verification form (I-9) in 2023. He also claimed U.S. citizenship in his application for a professional administrator license with the state board of educational examiners.
Roberts had worked in U.S. school districts for two decades without work authorization. He fled Guyana in 1994, according to his lawyers, because he had been a police officer and faced threats from undercover drug work.
Authorities stated that Roberts was subject to a notice to appear before an immigration judge in October 2020 and a final removal order in 2024.
Roberts' lawyers argued that an initial mistake in 2001 regarding a previous arrest led to denial of permanent residence, and subsequent attempts to adjust status were unsuccessful.
Deportation
Upon completing his sentence, Roberts is likely to be deported to Guyana. His lawyers described him as a non-violent individual who would receive the "ultimate punishment of banishment from the United States."
Additional Controversies
Roberts had claimed a doctoral degree from Morgan State University, but his lawyers stated his doctorate was from Trident University, an online school.
His criminal history includes:
- A 2020 arrest in New York for criminal possession of a weapon (details sealed)
- A 2021 weapons violation in Pennsylvania
District's Stance
Des Moines Public Schools declined to comment on the legal proceedings, stating their focus remains on students. District officials indicated they were unaware of Roberts' immigration issues prior to his arrest. Roberts resigned from his position shortly after the arrest; his annual salary was $286,716.