Shocking Accusations Against Andre Roberts, Former School Head in Des Moines
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently outlined several serious allegations and criminal convictions against Andre Roberts, an undocumented individual who held a leadership position in Des Moines, Iowa.
Currently in custody at the Polk County Jail, Roberts’ immigration history and criminal record indicate a troubling pattern of behavior in the United States, as noted by DHS officials. He faces charges related to illegal possession of firearms. A search warrant executed at his residence uncovered three firearms: a loaded 9mm pistol beneath a living room cushion, a loaded rifle in a bedroom closet, and a shotgun hidden behind the headboard of his bed.
Roberts’ legal troubles date back several years. In 2012, he was convicted of reckless driving and speeding in Maryland. More recently, in 2022, he faced charges in Pennsylvania for illegal possession of a loaded firearm. His criminal history includes numerous other charges: drug possession with intent to sell, counterfeiting, and various weapons-related charges occurring throughout the 1990s and more recently in 2020.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office indicated that he received a sealed restraining order from Jackson County, Missouri, in August 2023, though the specifics surrounding this order remain unclear.
Moreover, Roberts’ voter registration raised eyebrows as he was found to be improperly registered as a Democrat in Maryland. Despite the gravity of these allegations, he has held various significant roles in public education across multiple states, including Washington, D.C., and California, up until his recent resignation from the Des Moines school position he occupied since 2023.
Interestingly, there’s also some contention over his educational qualifications listed on LinkedIn. He claims to have attended Morgan State University and expressed ambition toward earning an MBA from MIT’s Sloan School of Management. However, while Morgan State acknowledged his attendance, he admitted he never actually obtained a degree. The MIT Registrar’s Office clarified that there was no record of him being enrolled in any program there.
The situation is causing quite a stir, especially on social media, where reactions have been mixed. Some find the entire case to be—well, bewildering. Roberts had previously served as school principal in Pennsylvania, where the district was embroiled in lawsuits from male faculty claiming discrimination regarding promotions favoring women. Allegedly, the district had to settle multiple discrimination lawsuits amounting to over $400,000 during his tenure.
It’s worth noting that Roberts first came to the U.S. in 1994 as a visitor and later returned under a student visa in 1999, amid several immigration complications that ensued over the years. This legal quandary culminated in an immigration judge’s decision in 2024 ordering his deportation, which he was attempting to evade when apprehended by ICE on September 26. Interestingly, he was discovered hiding in a bush and had $3,000 in cash along with a loaded Glock 9mm pistol in his vehicle at the time of his arrest.
DHS Deputy Director Tricia McLaughlin commented on the situation, emphasizing the importance of community safety and acknowledging the numerous troubling accusations against Roberts, asserting he should not have been in a position to work with children.
