DES MOINES, Iowa — Former Des Moines school district superintendent Ian Roberts is preparing to plead guilty in federal court to two significant charges. He is accused of falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen, which could lead to a lengthy prison sentence and heightened risk of deportation.
Roberts, who hails from Guyana and previously competed as an Olympic runner, held a celebrated role in urban education for over two decades. He served for two years as the superintendent of Des Moines' public school district, which caters to more than 30,000 students.
His work came to an abrupt halt when he was arrested by federal immigration agents just weeks into the new school year. The arrest, which shocked the community and received national attention, brought forth Roberts’ history of legal issues and the possibility that he had submitted falsified credentials.
In October, Roberts initially entered a not guilty plea to allegations of making false statements for his employment and illegally possessing firearms while in the country without authorization. The charges carry a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted. However, recent indications point to Roberts likely accepting a plea deal that acknowledges his guilt in both counts.
According to the plea agreement, Roberts admitted to knowingly submitting a false Employment Eligibility Verification form, falsely asserting he was a U.S. citizen despite lacking proper immigration authorization. This violation could carry up to five years in prison.
Shortly after his arrest, Roberts was found with a loaded firearm hidden beneath the seat of his school-owned Jeep, along with $3,000 in cash, prompting further scrutiny into his circumstances. Additionally, authorities discovered several firearms in his home following the incident.
As part of the plea agreement, Roberts will also consent to relinquishing possession of the weapons found in his vehicle and residence. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has agreed not to file further charges related to the current counts and may recommend leniency during sentencing, though the final decision rests with the judge. A trial had been set to start in March, but Roberts’ guilty plea may preempt those proceedings.
Roberts, who hails from Guyana and previously competed as an Olympic runner, held a celebrated role in urban education for over two decades. He served for two years as the superintendent of Des Moines' public school district, which caters to more than 30,000 students.
His work came to an abrupt halt when he was arrested by federal immigration agents just weeks into the new school year. The arrest, which shocked the community and received national attention, brought forth Roberts’ history of legal issues and the possibility that he had submitted falsified credentials.
In October, Roberts initially entered a not guilty plea to allegations of making false statements for his employment and illegally possessing firearms while in the country without authorization. The charges carry a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted. However, recent indications point to Roberts likely accepting a plea deal that acknowledges his guilt in both counts.
According to the plea agreement, Roberts admitted to knowingly submitting a false Employment Eligibility Verification form, falsely asserting he was a U.S. citizen despite lacking proper immigration authorization. This violation could carry up to five years in prison.
Shortly after his arrest, Roberts was found with a loaded firearm hidden beneath the seat of his school-owned Jeep, along with $3,000 in cash, prompting further scrutiny into his circumstances. Additionally, authorities discovered several firearms in his home following the incident.
As part of the plea agreement, Roberts will also consent to relinquishing possession of the weapons found in his vehicle and residence. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has agreed not to file further charges related to the current counts and may recommend leniency during sentencing, though the final decision rests with the judge. A trial had been set to start in March, but Roberts’ guilty plea may preempt those proceedings.
