DES MOINES, Iowa - Ian Roberts, who served as the superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to his immigration status and possession of firearms. The indictment includes two counts: making a false statement for employment purposes regarding his citizenship and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
Roberts, originally from Guyana, worked in various school districts over the last twenty years and was hired by the Des Moines Public Schools just this year. Federal authorities indicate that he misrepresented his citizenship status on a USCIS Employment Eligibility Verification form, falsely claiming he was eligible to work in the United States.
In a noteworthy turn of events, Roberts was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on September 26. After a brief chase where he attempted to evade capture in a district-issued vehicle, he was found hiding in a wooded area, where investigators discovered a handgun inside the vehicle.
Following his detention, Roberts was transferred to federal custody on October 2 due to an arrest warrant that also alleged unlawful possession of additional firearms found during a search of his residence. This situation has sparked concerns not only about the hiring processes within the school district but also about the implications of his previous employment records.
In light of these developments, Des Moines public school officials have initiated legal action against the consulting firm that assisted in Roberts’ hiring, with the district already facing criticism over its vetting processes. School board chair Jackie Norris has been central to discussions about reviewing expenditures related to Roberts, along with the troubling findings of an ongoing investigation.
Recently, Norris also stepped down from her campaign for U.S. Senate, citing the ramifications of the superintendent's arrest. The school district continues navigating the fallout from this incident as it seeks to maintain its credibility amidst growing public concern.
