Former Iowa School Superintendent Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges
Recently, the former superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district entered a guilty plea to two federal charges, which include falsely declaring U.S. citizenship.
Ian Andre Roberts, who hails from Guyana in South America, held a leadership position in Des Moines Public Schools. He also acknowledged being an illegal immigrant while possessing a firearm.
Roberts was taken into custody by federal immigration officials on September 26, 2025, and soon after stepped down from his role as the district’s top administrator.
As part of his plea agreement, Roberts admitted to having four firearms, which include a loaded Glock handgun found in his vehicle during his arrest, along with a rifle, a shotgun, and another handgun that were seized from his home during a search.
Court documents indicate that all the firearms were transported across state lines, granting federal jurisdiction. Roberts consented to permanently surrender the weapons and waived his right to contest this forfeiture now or in the future.
Initially, he had pleaded not guilty and was slated to stand trial in March, but his guilty plea could lead to a maximum sentence of 20 years across both charges.
The plea agreement also specifies that Roberts understands the possibility of deportation following his prison term. A sentencing date hasn’t been established, and prosecutors have agreed not to pursue further charges.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Roberts has an extensive criminal history related to drug offenses and weapons charges.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin expressed concern during his arrest: “An illegal alien with multiple weapons and drug charges should never have been in a position to access children.” At the time, Roberts was reportedly found with an illegal handgun, a hunting knife, and nearly $3,000 in cash.
A federal grand jury indicted Roberts in October on two counts. Court records show he knowingly provided false information on an I-9 employment eligibility form, asserting he was a U.S. citizen.
Documents reveal that Roberts had supplied documentation such as his Social Security card and driver’s license, as required when he was hired in 2023. He also claimed U.S. citizenship on an application to the State Board of Education Examiners, which issued him a professional administrator license the same year.
Authorities noted that Roberts received a notice to appear before an immigration judge in October 2020, just months before his work permit expired, and faced a final removal order in 2024. Local officials were reportedly unaware of any immigration issues regarding Roberts.
One of Roberts’ attorneys stated that his client believed the immigration matter had been “successfully resolved” based on advice from previous legal counsel.
