Former Iowa Superintendent Expected to Change Plea in Citizenship Case

DES MOINES, Iowa — Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district, is anticipated to change his plea in federal court regarding charges of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and illegally possessing firearms.

Roberts, originally from Guyana, had previously entered a not guilty plea to the two charges, which could lead to a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. He is also facing a final removal order set for 2024, putting him at risk of deportation.

The change-of-plea hearing is scheduled as Roberts’ attorneys have been in discussions with federal prosecutors to resolve the case prior to a January 28 deadline.

Roberts was arrested on September 26 during a targeted operation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and allegedly fled from federal agents before being apprehended with state trooper assistance. Authorities discovered a loaded handgun and $3,000 in cash in the vehicle he was driving.

As a prominent figure in the Des Moines community, Roberts had served as the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, which includes around 30,000 students. His arrest was a shock to many who admired his leadership.

A federal grand jury indictment in October accused Roberts of making a false statement on his Employment Eligibility Verification form, claiming he was a U.S. citizen despite lacking authorization. This alone carries a potential five-year prison term and a fine.

During his hiring in 2023, Roberts submitted an I-9 form alongside a Social Security card and driver’s license as proof of citizenship. However, federal records show he first entered the U.S. in 1994 and was denied a green card in 2003. His work authorization expired in December 2020.

Roberts’ attorney mentioned he believed his immigration matters were resolved, but he is now facing serious legal challenges, including a federal weapons charge that could result in an additional 15 years in prison. A trial is set to commence in early March.