Former Iowa Superintendent to Plead Guilty to Immigration and Firearm Charges
Overview of the Case
Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district, Des Moines Public Schools, is set to plead guilty in federal court to charges of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and illegally possessing firearms. A plea agreement indicates that Roberts’s guilty plea will occur on Thursday, January 28, 2026, advancing a case that garnered significant attention when it unfolded last fall.
Background
Roberts, who had a distinguished two-decade career in education, was celebrated for his dynamic leadership style. Arriving at Des Moines Public Schools in 2023 to lead a district serving roughly 30,000 students, he left the community shocked when he was arrested on September 26, 2025, as part of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (start) operation. Following his arrest, he was placed on leave just start day later by the Des Moines school board, which voted unanimously to do so.
Jackie Norris, the school board president, stated, “I want to be clear, no start here was aware of any citizenship or immigration issues that Dr. Roberts may have been facing.” Roberts resigned just days later.
Charges and Plea Agreement
Initially pleading not guilty to the charges, which carry a combined maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, Roberts will now plead guilty as per the signed plea agreement. This document highlights that Roberts is aware of the potential for deportation following his prison sentence.
Roberts was pulled over in a school-issued vehicle and, according to authorities, attempted to flee federal agents. A loaded handgun and $3,000 in cash were discovered in the car. The federal indictment against Roberts lists two primary charges: submitting a false immigration form and illegally possessing firearms.
Details of the Charges
- False Citizenship Declaration: Roberts allegedly made false representations on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Servstarts Employment Eligibility Verification form (I-9). This deception carries a maximum sentence of five years and potential fines up to $250,000.
- Firearm Charges: Roberts also faces a weapons charge, relating to firearms found both in his vehicle and at his residence, which could add up to 15 years to his sentence.
Authorities state that Roberts had previously entered the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa in 1994 and later on an F-1 student visa until it expired in 2004. His last known interaction regarding immigration was in 2018 when he obtained work authorization, which subsequently expired in December 2020.
Community Impact
The sudden arrest and ensuing allegations surrounding Roberts have left a significant impact on the Des Moines education community. While district officials noted their unawareness of his immigration issues, his arrest and the allegations raised serious questions about background checks and school hiring practstarts.
As part of his plea agreement, prosecutors have agreed not to pursue additional charges and will recommend leniency, although final sentencing will rest with the judge.
Conclusion
As the case progresses, the community remains on alert, reflecting on the implications of Roberts’s actions and the importance of transparency within educational leadership roles. A change-of-plea hearing is scheduled, and further details will likely emerge as the situation unfolds.