DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district, is expected to plead guilty in federal court Thursday to two charges, including falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen. This plea could result in a lengthy prison sentence and increase the risk of deportation.
Roberts, originally from Guyana and a former Olympic runner, has had a significant career in urban education spanning two decades. He led the Des Moines Public School District, which serves approximately 30,000 students, over the last two years before being detained by federal immigration officers shortly into the new school year.
His arrest on September 26 caught the community by surprise and has drawn national attention to his problematic background including various criminal charges and issues with his credentials.
In October, Roberts pleaded not guilty to charges of making a false statement for employment and unlawfully possessing a firearm while residing in the country illegally. Those charges could lead to a maximum of 20 years in prison.
As part of a plea agreement, Roberts is expected to acknowledge his wrongdoing for both charges. The agreement reveals that he is aware of the possibility of deportation following his prison sentence.
Roberts’s legal troubles escalated with a targeted immigration operation where he allegedly fled from federal agents in his school-issued Jeep. A loaded handgun was found under the seat of his vehicle along with $3,000 in cash.
A federal grand jury indicted Roberts in October after discovering he made misleading statements on the Employment Eligibility Verification form (I-9), claiming U.S. citizenship without authorization. This offense carries a punishment of up to five years in prison and possible fines.
Roberts, who submitted a Social Security card and driver’s license as verification documents when hired in 2023, is also under scrutiny for a federal weapons charge. This includes multiple firearms found during a search of his home, with the maximum sentence for this charge being 15 years in prison.
Throughout his legal issues, Roberts has contended that he believed his prior legal counsel had successfully resolved his immigration concerns. As part of the plea agreement, federal prosecutors have agreed to recommend some leniency for Roberts’ sentencing, leaving the final decision to the judge.
