Former Des Moines schools superintendent admits guilt after falsely claiming U.S. citizenship — a stunning admission that brings a dramatic chapter in Iowa’s education leadership to a legal crossroads.
The former head of Iowa’s largest school district formally pleaded guilty on Thursday, acknowledging that he falsely claimed U.S. citizenship on a federal employment document and illegally possessed firearms. The admission marks a sharp reversal from his earlier not-guilty plea and clears the way for sentencing later this spring.
Ian Roberts, who was born in Guyana, admitted in federal court that he knowingly provided false information on an Employment Eligibility Verification form, commonly known as an I-9. He also accepted responsibility for possessing firearms while prohibited under federal law. Together, the charges carry a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
During the hearing, Roberts confirmed that he understands the serious immigration consequences of his guilty plea, including the likelihood of deportation after completing his sentence. A trial had been scheduled for early March, but the case took a decisive turn with Thursday’s plea.
From Celebrated Educator to Federal Defendant
Before his arrest, Roberts was widely regarded as a charismatic and motivating leader with more than two decades of experience in urban education. He served for two years as superintendent of the Des Moines Public Schools, overseeing a district that educates roughly 30,000 students.
That reputation unraveled rapidly. Only weeks into a new school year, Roberts was detained by federal immigration authorities in September, a development that shocked parents, educators, and community leaders alike. The arrest drew national attention and prompted renewed scrutiny of his background, including past criminal allegations and questions surrounding his credentials.
A Tense Courtroom Moment
Roberts entered the courtroom in restraints, his wrists and ankles cuffed as he stood before U.S. Magistrate Judge Helen C. Adams. Calm and measured, he acknowledged that he understood both his constitutional rights and the terms of his plea agreement. Reading along with the document in front of him, he confirmed that the signature on the agreement was his own and that signing it was his decision.
Under the agreement, federal prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa committed not to pursue additional charges tied to these offenses. They also agreed to recommend a measure of leniency, though the final sentence will be determined by U.S. District Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger. Sentencing is scheduled for May 29.
Attorneys React as Legal Strategy Shifts
After the hearing, defense attorney Alfredo Parrish told reporters that his client chose to accept responsibility for his actions. While supportive of the decision, Parrish described the moment as one of the more difficult in his lengthy legal career.
Parrish noted that the sentencing phase will be critical, as the court weighs factors such as Roberts’ professional history, personal circumstances, and the broader context of the offenses. He emphasized that this hearing will ultimately shape Roberts’ future.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
Roberts’ legal troubles escalated following a targeted operation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Authorities say he was stopped while driving a school-issued Jeep Cherokee and allegedly attempted to flee. The vehicle was later found abandoned near a wooded area, and Roberts was located with assistance from state troopers.
According to federal filings, officers discovered a loaded handgun wrapped in a towel beneath a seat and approximately $3,000 in cash inside the vehicle. A subsequent search of Roberts’ home uncovered additional weapons, including another pistol, a rifle, and a shotgun.
A federal grand jury indicted Roberts in October on two counts. In court, he admitted that he knowingly made a false declaration of U.S. citizenship on his I-9 form, an offense punishable by up to five years in prison. The weapons charge carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years. As part of the plea agreement, Roberts will forfeit all seized firearms.
Immigration Questions and Institutional Response
Court records show that Roberts had been issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge as early as 2020, with a final removal order entered in 2024. School district officials have stated they were unaware of these immigration issues at the time of his hiring.
Roberts completed his I-9 paperwork in 2023 and submitted a Social Security card and driver’s license as documentation. He also declared himself a U.S. citizen in his application to Iowa’s state board of educational examiners, which granted him a professional administrator license that same year.
A spokesperson for Des Moines Public Schools declined to comment on the legal case, emphasizing instead that the district remains focused on meeting the educational needs of its students.
As the case now moves toward sentencing, the fall of a once-admired education leader continues to resonate — a cautionary tale of how trust, once broken, can bring lasting legal and personal consequences.
