The BareStory
Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to charges of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and illegally possessing firearms. Roberts, a native of Guyana, admitted to knowingly making a false statement regarding his citizenship on an Employment Eligibility Verification form (I-9) when he was hired in 2023. He also pleaded guilty to possessing firearms while in the United States illegally.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Roberts faces a maximum combined sentence of 20 years in prison. Prosecutors stated that he will remain in custody until his sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for May 29. Roberts acknowledged in court that he may face deportation after serving his sentence. As part of the agreement, he will forfeit multiple firearms, including pistols, a rifle, and a shotgun, which authorities said were recovered from his vehicle and residence.
Roberts was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on September 26, 2025. Authorities alleged that at the time of his detention, Roberts was in possession of a handgun and approximately $3,000 in cash. Following his arrest, the Des Moines school board accepted his resignation. District officials stated they were previously unaware of any issues regarding his immigration status. In response to the developments, the school district has reportedly filed a lawsuit against the consulting firm responsible for vetting Roberts, alleging a failure to conduct a proper background check.
Defense attorney Alfredo Parrish stated that Roberts wished to accept responsibility for the charges. However, Parrish noted that his client had previously been under the impression, based on advice from a former lawyer, that his immigration case had been successfully resolved. Authorities indicated that Roberts had been subject to a final removal order issued in 2024.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
Public school districts may scrutinize hiring protocols more rigorously after Des Moines officials alleged a consulting firm failed to identify a superintendent's active removal order during the vetting process.
Employers and applicants are reminded of the severe federal penalties for falsifying Employment Eligibility Verification forms (I-9), which served as a primary basis for this successful prosecution.
Federal laws prohibiting firearm possession by individuals in the country illegally are being strictly enforced, resulting in mandatory weapon forfeiture and potential decades-long prison sentences for violators.
Taxpayers may see public entities pursue litigation to recover costs from vendors, as the school district has sued the firm responsible for the background check to address the oversight.
