Des Moines School Chief Arrested
Authorities report that Ian Andre Roberts, the supervisor of the Des Moines Public Schools in Iowa, is facing serious legal issues. He is allegedly in the U.S. illegally and also has pending weapons charges. This week, Roberts was apprehended under a fugitive warrant after he reportedly fled from law enforcement officials.
After abandoning his vehicle, which was subsequently located, police used K-9 units to help track him down. They eventually found him hiding in nearby brush, about 200 yards from where his car was left.
Inside the abandoned vehicle, law enforcement officials discovered a loaded Glock 19 firearm, a hunting knife, and around $3,000 in cash. Sam Olson, a director with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that Roberts had previously been ordered to leave the country and had a history involving weapons charges. He also highlighted the potential dangers posed by Roberts living and working in the community.
Roberts is reported to have entered the U.S. illegally from Guyana, first arriving on an F-1 student visa to attend St. John’s University in New York back in 1999. His permission to work expired in 2020, which means he wasn’t legally allowed to hold any position since then.
The story took another twist when it was revealed that Roberts had previously encountered law enforcement over weapon-related charges back in February 2020. Following an order for his deportation in May 2024, legal motions regarding his status have been moving slow, leaving many questions about his current situation.
Roberts began his role as the supervisor of Des Moines Public Schools on July 1, 2023, following what was described as a nationwide search. According to the release at the time, the selection was based on input from various community stakeholders.
Before entering education, Roberts represented Guyana as a mid-distance runner at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He was also involved with local nonprofit organizations focused on supporting the black community in Des Moines.
The Des Moines School Board has appointed Associate Principal Matt Smith as the interim supervisor while the situation unfolds. The board, through its chairman, expressed concern over the news and stated that they would provide updates as more information becomes available.
In light of Roberts’ sudden and complicated circumstances, community members and organizations have stepped forward to express their support for him, highlighting the impact his work has had on families and youth in the area.
