Iowa School District Sues Consultant Over Hiring of Alleged Illegal Immigrant

The largest public school district in Iowa is taking legal action against a consulting firm for allegedly hiring illegal immigrants, who are now in the custody of the Department of Justice. The lawsuit, filed in Polk County District Court, accuses the firm, Brand JG Consulting, of negligence and breach of contract.

In May 2023, the district employed Ian Roberts as a supervisor, with an impressive salary of $270,000. However, last month, he was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Following his arrest, authorities found an illegal firearm in his vehicle, leading to additional charges against him.

The Des Moines Independent Community School District is suing the executive search firm for various claims, including misrepresentation and general negligence, while seeking financial compensation. A statement in the lawsuit notes that JG Consulting was supposed to provide accurate information about candidates and failed to properly vet Roberts, presenting him as a qualified option.

The lawsuit highlights the financial implications of this situation, mentioning costs incurred for the district’s need to seek alternative candidates and the reputational damage suffered.

Interestingly, JG Consulting isn’t just involved with the Des Moines district; it’s also assisting in searches for schools in Texas, Virginia, and other parts of Iowa, raising concerns about their vetting process overall.

In reaction to Roberts’ arrest, the Eanes Westlake Innovative School District, another district currently working with JG Consulting for supervisors, emphasized its commitment to maintaining high standards in the hiring process. The district hopes for thorough background checks moving forward, following the troubling news.

Meanwhile, Roberts is facing several federal charges and remains detained at the Polk County Jail. According to the Department of Homeland Security, he has a lengthy criminal history in the U.S., raising serious questions about his past conduct and qualifications.

Roberts’ record includes multiple convictions for various offenses, from reckless driving to illegal possession of firearms in several states. Recent reports suggest he was also improperly registered to vote in Maryland as a Democrat, adding another dimension to the scrutiny surrounding him.