Former Superintendent’s Legal Troubles
Ian Roberts, the ex-superintendent of Des Moines schools, has indicated he may plead guilty to federal charges related to his immigration status and possession of a firearm. His arrest revealed he was found with a gun, raising significant concerns.
A federal magistrate judge in Iowa has scheduled a change-of-plea hearing for January 22. Previously, Roberts had pleaded not guilty in October to accusations of making false statements for employment and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
The office of Roberts’ attorney, Alfredo Parrish, has not commented on this recent development. His arrest in late September sparked protests from students and teachers who rallied for his release, arguing that his legal status should not affect his role as a respected educator.
However, the Department of Homeland Security stated that Roberts had been ordered deported and was violating that order. During his arrest by ICE officers, authorities discovered a handgun in his vehicle along with additional weapons at his residence.
DHS also noted that Roberts had prior convictions related to firearms mishandling, as well as drug offenses and reckless driving. At the time of his employment with Des Moines schools, he was living in the country without authorization and had been denied a green card four times. Although granted a student visa in 2020, his last work authorization expired that same year.
