Des Moines School District Sues Search Firm Over Superintendent's Hiring

Des Moines Public Schools has initiated legal action against JG Consulting, the firm responsible for the superintendent search that led to the hiring of Ian Roberts. The district alleges that the firm failed to properly vet Roberts, who was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last week for being in the country illegally and possessing firearms without authorization.

The lawsuit, filed on Friday, accuses JG Consulting of breach of contract and negligence. School Board Chair Jackie Norris stated, "The firm failed its duty to properly vet candidates. Ian Roberts should have never been presented as a finalist. If we knew what we knew now, he would never have been hired."

Roberts, a native of Guyana, was detained by ICE on September 26. Federal authorities revealed that he had a final removal order issued in May 2024 and lacked work authorization. During his arrest, Roberts was found in possession of four firearms, including one wrapped in a towel inside the vehicle he was driving.

The district's contract with JG Consulting stipulated that the firm was responsible for comprehensive background checks and ensuring candidates' legal eligibility for employment. The district claims that JG Consulting did not fulfill these obligations, leading to Roberts' hiring despite his ineligibility to work in the United States.

James Guerra, president and CEO of Texas-based JG Consulting, did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.

Roberts resigned from his position earlier this week following the revocation of his license by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. The district is seeking damages to recover taxpayer funds and address reputational harm resulting from the incident.