The former superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district is set to plead guilty to two federal charges, following his arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last year.
Ian Roberts, originally from Guyana, who led the Des Moines Public Schools, was arrested by federal immigration officials on September 26, 2025. Shortly after his arrest, he stepped down from his position.
Initially, in October, Roberts entered a not guilty plea to one count of making a false statement regarding employment and one count of illegally possessing a firearm while residing in the U.S. without authorization. Prosecutors highlighted that these charges could lead to a combined prison term of up to 20 years.
He is anticipated to change his plea to guilty for both charges as part of a plea agreement signed Wednesday. The agreement also mentions that Roberts understands he might face deportation after his prison term.
The Department of Homeland Security had previously noted that Roberts had a significant criminal record, which included drug possession and weapons charges. The Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security stated that someone like Roberts, with multiple firearms charges and drug trafficking allegations, should not be in contact with children. At the time of his arrest, Roberts was reportedly found with an illegal handgun, a hunting knife, and nearly $3,000 in cash.
A federal grand jury indicted him in October on two counts. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Roberts admitted to knowingly providing false information on employment eligibility forms (I-9s), claiming to be a U.S. citizen when he was not. This offense could lead to up to five years in prison and a fine.
Roberts filled out an I-9 form when he was hired in 2023, presenting his Social Security card and driver’s license as identification. He also claimed U.S. citizenship when applying for a professional administrator license from the state Board of Education Examiners.
Prior to his arrest, he was given a notice to appear before an immigration judge in October 2020, with his work permission expiring shortly afterward. Federal officials indicated a final removal order was likely to come in 2024. District officials mentioned they were unaware of any immigration complications.
Roberts’ lawyer, Alfred Parrish, stated that Roberts believed his previous legal counsel had successfully resolved the immigration case.
In addition to the federal charges related to firearms, which could also lead to a 15-year prison sentence and fines, the indictment revealed that authorities found several firearms—including two handguns, a rifle, and a shotgun—during the investigation. Some were located in Roberts’ vehicle at the time of his arrest, while others were recovered from his home.
According to the plea deal, Roberts has agreed to surrender his firearms.
