Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, is facing a federal charge for being an undocumented immigrant in possession of firearms, according to court documents filed in Iowa. Roberts, 54, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and has since been transferred to the custody of the Department of Justice.
The charge follows his recent resignation from the school district amid revelations about his immigration status and questions surrounding his professional background. The case has prompted investigations and raised concerns among local and state officials.
Key Takeaways
- Former Des Moines Superintendent Ian Roberts was charged with one count of being an "illegal alien in possession of firearms."
- Authorities reportedly found four firearms, multiple magazines, and ammunition during searches.
- Roberts, a native of Guyana, has been in the U.S. without legal status since his student visa expired in 2004.
- He resigned from his position after the Des Moines School Board placed him on leave and his state administrator license was revoked.
- His resume and background are also under scrutiny for alleged false or inflated educational claims.
Details of the Federal Charge
Federal prosecutors filed a complaint against Ian Roberts on Wednesday, officially charging him with the firearms violation. He made his initial court appearance on Thursday, where he waived his right to a detention hearing and was ordered to be detained. An immigration detainer has also been lodged against him.
According to the federal criminal complaint, Roberts was initially detained by ICE agents on a Friday. At the time, he was found with a loaded handgun, a hunting knife, and approximately $3,000 in cash. The complaint specifies the pistol was discovered "wrapped in a towel under the driver's seat."
Investigators believe that firearm was purchased in Arkansas by an individual thought to be Roberts' spouse. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered additional weapons.
Firearms Seized
During the search of Roberts' home, law enforcement allegedly located:
- A loaded pistol under a living room chair cushion.
- A loaded rifle in a bedroom closet.
- A shotgun behind a bedroom headboard.
- Multiple magazines and various types of ammunition.
The complaint notes that all four firearms were manufactured outside of Iowa. This detail is legally significant as it establishes that the weapons crossed state lines, a necessary component for federal jurisdiction in such cases.
A Long History of Immigration Issues
The case against Roberts is rooted in his long-term immigration status. Originally from Guyana, he entered the United States in 1999 on a student visa. However, federal documents state that this visa expired in 2004, and he has not had legal authorization to work in the country since December 2020.
Timeline of Immigration Status
- 1999: Enters the U.S. on a student visa.
- 2004: Student visa expires.
- 2001 & 2018: Applies for permanent residence four times and is denied each time.
- 2020: Application for adjustment of status based on marriage is denied. Lawful employment authorization expires.
- May 22, 2024: An immigration judge issues a final order of removal in a hearing Roberts did not attend.
According to ICE, a judge issued a final order for his removal from the country on May 22, 2024. Roberts had reportedly filed a motion to reopen the proceedings, but it was denied in April after a judge determined he had not proven that he failed to receive notice of the hearing.
Resignation and School Board Response
The legal troubles led to a swift end to Roberts' career in Des Moines. He joined the district in July 2023. On the Tuesday before he was charged, he resigned as superintendent. His resignation came one day after the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners revoked his administrator license.
The Des Moines School Board had voted unanimously to place him on unpaid administrative leave, demanding he provide proof of his authorization to work in the U.S. or face termination. According to School Board Chair Jackie Norris, he did not provide the required documentation.
"For all of us, this is not what we anticipated when we welcomed Dr. Ian Roberts into central Iowa and the Des Moines School District... It is a sad and troubling end for an individual who gave many people, especially our students, hope."
Norris stated that the board was not aware of Roberts' immigration issues when he was hired and that they are taking the allegations "very seriously." She also expressed that the school board feels deceived by Roberts.
Wider Scrutiny and Unanswered Questions
The federal charges have brought other aspects of Roberts' past under intense scrutiny, revealing a pattern of questionable claims and undisclosed issues.
Resume and Educational Credentials
Several educational achievements listed on Roberts' resume and professional profiles have been disputed by the institutions themselves.
- MIT: Roberts' LinkedIn profile claimed he was an MBA candidate at MIT's Sloan School of Management from 2019-2021. A spokesperson for the school stated they have no record of his attendance.
- George Washington University: A biography on the Des Moines Public Schools website claimed Roberts received a "Principal of the Year" award from GWU in 2013. The university confirmed it does not issue such an award.
- Morgan State University: The school board acknowledged being aware that Roberts had not completed a doctorate he once claimed from this university. They said a background check flagged the discrepancy and his resume was corrected before his final interview.
Voter Registration and Restraining Order
Further investigations have uncovered other potential legal and personal issues. In Maryland, state election officials confirmed that an individual with a matching name, birthdate, and address registered to vote as a Democrat in 2017. While there is no record of him casting a ballot, the registration of a non-citizen has prompted calls for investigation from Maryland Republicans.
Additionally, records from the Polk County Sheriff's Office in Iowa show that Roberts was served with a restraining order in August 2023, just one month after starting his job as superintendent. The order was issued by a court in Missouri, but the details and the identity of the person who requested it remain sealed. The school district was reportedly unaware of this order.
Official Reactions and Next Steps
The case has triggered responses from elected officials. Iowa Representative Zach Nunn announced that a "state-level investigation" into Roberts' hiring process is now underway.
"Local leaders owe parents an explanation, and we need stronger safeguards to ensure that positions of public trust are filled by individuals who are properly vetted and legally authorized to serve."
Roberts remains in federal custody pending further legal proceedings. The Des Moines School District is now tasked with finding new leadership while navigating the fallout from the revelations about its former superintendent.