Former Des Moines Superintendent to Change Plea in Federal Court on Citizenship and Firearms Charges
The former superintendent of Iowa's largest school district is set to change his plea in federal court on charges related to falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen and illegally possessing firearms. Ian Roberts, originally from Guyana, faced a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and possible deportation. The change-of-plea hearing was arranged after negotiations between Roberts' lawyers and federal prosecutors.
Roberts, who was superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, was arrested by federal immigration agents in September. He allegedly fled from agents before being apprehended with the help of state troopers. A loaded handgun and cash were found in the district-issued vehicle he was driving. Roberts, known for his charismatic leadership style, had been an educator and administrator for two decades in various districts across the U.S.
A federal grand jury indicted Roberts on charges of falsely attesting to his U.S. citizenship on employment verification forms. He had claimed to be a U.S. citizen on his I-9 form and in his application for a professional administrator license. Roberts first entered the U.S. in 1994 on a nonimmigrant visa and faced immigration issues since then, including a final removal order in 2024.
Roberts' attorneys have stated that he believed his immigration case was resolved successfully based on information from a previous attorney. He also faces a federal weapons charge for possessing multiple firearms, including those found in his vehicle and home. Roberts waived his right to be present at his arraignment and had initially pleaded not guilty. A trial was scheduled to begin in early March.
In conclusion, the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools is expected to change his plea in federal court on charges related to falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and illegally possessing firearms. Roberts, who faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and possible deportation, had been a beloved figure in the Des Moines community for his leadership style.