Former Iowa School Superintendent Pleads Guilty to Falsely Claiming U.S. Citizenship and Possessing Weapons
Ian Andre Roberts, the former superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district, has pleaded guilty to federal charges that could significantly impact his future. On Thursday, Roberts admitted to falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and illegally possessing firearms as a non-citizen. This marks a dramatic fall for the educational leader who, until recently, oversaw the Des Moines Public Schools system. The Guyanese native’s legal troubles began when federal immigration officers detained him in September 2025, prompting his immediate resignation from the district’s top position. His case highlights the serious consequences of immigration fraud and unauthorized weapon possession, especially for someone in a position of public trust.
The plea agreement details Roberts’ possession of multiple firearms, which is prohibited for non-citizens without legal status. Federal authorities recovered four weapons: a loaded Glock handgun found in his vehicle during his arrest, plus a rifle, a shotgun, and another pistol discovered during a search of his home. The interstate movement of these weapons gave federal authorities jurisdiction in the case. As part of his plea, Roberts has agreed to permanently forfeit all weapons and has waived any rights to challenge this forfeiture. This reversal from his initial not guilty plea now exposes him to potential severe consequences, including up to 20 years of combined prison time for both charges and possible deportation after serving any sentence.
The Department of Homeland Security revealed troubling details about Roberts’ background, describing him as “a criminal illegal alien with multiple weapons charges and a drug trafficking charge” who “should have never been able to work around children.” According to Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, when ICE officers arrested the superintendent, he was carrying an illegal handgun, a hunting knife, and nearly $3,000 in cash. This characterization paints a concerning picture of someone who had achieved a position of significant responsibility overseeing the education of thousands of children. The federal grand jury’s two-count indictment in October formalized these serious allegations, setting the stage for the legal proceedings that culminated in his guilty plea.
Court records show that Roberts knowingly made a false attestation on an I-9 employment eligibility verification form submitted in Des Moines, falsely claiming U.S. citizenship. District officials confirmed that when hired in 2023, Roberts submitted a Social Security card and driver’s license as documentation with his I-9 form. More concerning, he also claimed U.S. citizenship in an application to the state board of educational examiners, which subsequently issued him a professional administrator license. These deliberate misrepresentations allowed him to secure a high-profile position of trust and authority within the education system, raising serious questions about the vetting process for educational leaders and the systems in place to verify the backgrounds of those entrusted with student welfare.
Immigration authorities had been dealing with Roberts’ case long before his employment with Des Moines Public Schools. According to officials, Roberts was issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge in October 2020, months before his work authorization expired. He was later subject to a final order of removal in 2024. Despite these significant immigration issues, district officials told The Associated Press they were completely unaware of any immigration-related problems involving their superintendent. This apparent communication gap between federal immigration authorities and local educational institutions highlights potential systemic vulnerabilities that could allow individuals with unresolved immigration issues to obtain sensitive positions within public education systems.
Alfredo Parrish, one of Roberts’ attorneys, has offered some context to his client’s actions, stating that Roberts believed his immigration case had been “resolved successfully” based on advice from a previous lawyer. This suggests a possible misunderstanding or miscommunication regarding his legal status in the country. However, regardless of any confusion, the federal charges to which Roberts has pleaded guilty carry serious consequences. A sentencing date has not yet been set, though prosecutors have agreed not to pursue additional charges beyond the two to which he has admitted guilt. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the intersection of immigration law, employment verification, and public trust, especially for those in positions that involve responsibility for children’s education and welfare. As the legal process continues, the Des Moines school district faces the challenge of rebuilding trust and ensuring more thorough verification processes for future leadership appointments.
