*Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district, is facing serious federal charges after authorities said he illegally possessed firearms and falsely claimed U.S. citizenship.
NBC News reports that federal prosecutors returned a two-count indictment on Oct. 16, charging Roberts with one count of making a false statement for employment and one count of unlawful firearm possession while in the U.S. illegally. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Roberts, 54, originally from Guyana, entered the United States in 1999 on a student visa but remained in the country illegally. His work authorization expired in 2020, and an immigration judge ordered his deportation in May 2024. Despite this, Roberts was hired in 2023 to lead Des Moines Public Schools, serving over 30,000 students, with an annual salary of $286,716.
IT GETS WORSE
Ian Roberts, an ILLEGAL ALIEN who was working as the Superintendent for Des Moines Public Schools, was issued a driver’s license, registered to vote, and had a criminal record.
How tf did this happen?!pic.twitter.com/tY0D6RCcXb
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 30, 2025
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The situation escalated on September 26 when ICE agents attempted to detain Roberts in Des Moines. Authorities said he fled from the agents in a district-issued Jeep Cherokee, later abandoning the vehicle in a wooded area. Inside, investigators found a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a hunting knife. Roberts was apprehended shortly afterward with assistance from the Iowa State Patrol.
The indictment further alleges that Roberts made a “false attestation” on a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Eligibility Verification form, claiming he was a U.S. citizen despite knowing he was not. Roberts’ attorney Alfredo Parrish said, “Dr. Roberts intends to enter a not guilty plea because he’s innocent of these charges. Our immigration system, as most Americans understand, is in shambles.”
Authorities also discovered three additional firearms during a search of Roberts’ home, including a rifle, a shotgun, and two pistols. The firearms charge carries a penalty of up to 15 years, while the false statement count carries up to five years in prison. Roberts was transferred to U.S. Marshals custody on October 2 and remains at the Polk County Jail in Des Moines.
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