The former superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district entered a guilty plea on Thursday to two federal charges, including making a false claim of U.S. citizenship.
Ian Andre Roberts, who hails from Guyana, previously held a leading position within Des Moines Public Schools.
He also acknowledged being an undocumented immigrant found with a firearm.
Roberts was apprehended by federal immigration officials on September 26, 2025, shortly before resigning from his role.
According to his plea agreement, he admitted to owning four guns, including a loaded Glock pistol discovered in his car during the arrest, in addition to a rifle, shotgun, and another handgun that were seized from his residence.
Federal law applies since the firearms were transported across state lines.
Roberts agreed to forfeit the weapons permanently and relinquished his right to contest this action, either now or in the future.
Initially pleading not guilty, he had been set for trial in March.
His guilty plea carries a maximum sentence of 20 years across the two charges.
The plea deal indicates that he may face deportation after serving his prison term, although a sentencing date is still pending, and prosecutors have stated they won’t pursue further charges.
The Department of Homeland Security previously noted that Roberts has a significant criminal history involving drug and weapon offenses.
“Ian Andre Roberts, an illegal immigrant facing multiple weapons and drug trafficking charges, should never have been around children,” remarked Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin during his arrest.
At that time, he was 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 reveal that he knowingly provided false information on employment eligibility verification forms, commonly known as I-9s, in Des Moines, where he claimed to be a U.S. citizen.
District officials reported that when hired in 2023, he submitted his Social Security card and driver’s license to complete the I-9 form.
He also asserted U.S. citizenship in an application to the State Board of Education Examiners, which resulted in the issuance of his professional administrator license that same year.
Authorities indicated that Roberts had received a notice to appear before an immigration judge in October 2020, just months before his work permit expired, with a final removal order issued in 2024.
District officials stated they were unaware of any immigration issues concerning Roberts.
One of his attorneys, Alfred Parrish, mentioned that Roberts had believed the immigration situation was “successfully resolved” based on guidance from his former legal team.
