Former Des Moines Superintendent Pleads Guilty to False Citizenship Claim and Firearms Possession

Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, pleaded guilty Thursday to federal charges of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and illegally possessing firearms. Originally from Guyana, Roberts admitted to submitting a falsified I-9 employment eligibility form and unlawfully possessing multiple firearms. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and potential deportation upon completion of his sentence.

Roberts, who began his tenure as superintendent in July 2023, was arrested on September 26, 2025, during a targeted operation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Authorities allege that during the arrest, Roberts fled from federal agents, leaving behind a loaded handgun and $3,000 in cash in his school-issued vehicle. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered additional firearms.

In the plea agreement, Roberts acknowledged that he knowingly made a false attestation of U.S. citizenship on the I-9 form submitted during his hiring process. He also admitted to possessing firearms while being unlawfully present in the United States. As part of the agreement, Roberts will forfeit the firearms found in his possession. Sentencing is scheduled for May 29, with the court considering the prosecution's recommendation for leniency.

Roberts' attorney, Alfredo Parrish, stated that Roberts "wanted to accept responsibility and that's what he did," though he noted the situation was "not one of the happiest" in his legal career. Parrish also mentioned that Roberts had been under the impression from a prior attorney that his immigration case had been resolved successfully.

The Des Moines Public Schools district, which serves approximately 30,000 students, placed Roberts on administrative leave following his arrest and later accepted his resignation. The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners revoked his professional administrator license, citing his lack of legal presence in the United States.

Roberts' arrest and subsequent legal proceedings have drawn significant attention, given his prominent role in the community and his two-decade career in urban education. The district has stated that its focus remains on serving the educational needs of its students during this transitional period.