Former Iowa School Superintendent Expected to Change Plea

Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district, is set to change his plea in federal court. His case gained national attention after his arrest by immigration officials. He faces charges for falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and illegally possessing a firearm.

Originally hailing from Guyana, Roberts had pleaded not guilty to the two charges, each carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years. After a deportation order is finalized in 2024, he could also be at risk of being deported.

The upcoming plea change hearing follows discussions between Roberts’ lawyers and federal prosecutors, as they aim to reach a resolution before a deadline on January 28.

Roberts was serving as the superintendent for Des Moines Public Schools, which educates around 30,000 students, when he was arrested during a targeted raid by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on September 26. Reports indicate that he fled from federal agents but was subsequently captured by state troopers in a nearby wooded area.

Law enforcement found a loaded handgun wrapped in a towel and $3,000 in cash hidden beneath the seat of the Jeep Cherokee assigned to him by the district.

Having worked as an educator and administrator for two decades, Roberts was recognized for his engaging leadership, making his arrest particularly shocking for the Des Moines community.

In October, a federal grand jury indicted Roberts on two counts. According to the indictment, he allegedly made “false certifications” on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Eligibility Form (I-9), falsely asserting he was a U.S. citizen when he knew he wasn’t. This offense could lead to a five-year prison sentence and a fine.

The school district noted that Roberts filled out an I-9 form upon his hiring in 2023 and supplied his Social Security card and driver’s license for verification. He also identified himself as a U.S. citizen when applying for a professional administrator license, which was granted in 2023.

Roberts first entered the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa in 1994 and later on an F-1 student visa in 1999, which was set to expire in 2004. His green card application was denied in 2003, as stated by the Department of Homeland Security.

In 2018, he received a work permit, but despite a subsequent application being approved, he hasn’t obtained a new work permit since December 2020. Authorities stated he was issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge in October 2020, with a final deportation order expected in 2024. School district officials claimed they had no knowledge of any immigration issues.

Roberts’ attorney, Alfred Parrish, mentioned that Roberts believed his previous legal team had successfully resolved the immigration situation. Parrish did not respond to inquiries regarding the upcoming plea change.

In addition to the immigration charges, Roberts faces federal weapons charges, which could mean up to 15 years in prison and fines. Law enforcement recovered two handguns, a rifle, and a shotgun from his possession, including one firearm found in his car during the arrest and others discovered at his residence.

Roberts had waived his right to appear at his arraignment in October, where he pleaded not guilty. The trial is scheduled to start in early March.