A former superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district will serve up to two years in federal prison following his conviction on immigration fraud and illegal firearm possession charges. Ian Roberts, 55, who led the Des Moines Public Schools, received his sentence on Friday from a federal judge in Des Moines.
Roberts faces deportation to Guyana upon completion of his prison term. The former education administrator had been living in the United States without legal authorization for 24 years, according to court proceedings.
Federal agents arrested Roberts in September 2025 after an investigation revealed his immigration status and discovered multiple firearms in his possession. Court documents indicate that Roberts attempted to evade arrest by abandoning his vehicle and fleeing on foot when confronted by law enforcement officers.
Authorities recovered a loaded handgun, a substantial amount of cash, and a hunting knife from Roberts at the time of his arrest. A subsequent search of his residence yielded additional weapons, including another handgun, a rifle, and a shotgun.
Roberts entered guilty pleas to the charges in January. The Department of Homeland Security had previously issued a final removal order for his deportation in 2024, before his arrest.
During Friday’s sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger acknowledged the numerous letters of support submitted on Roberts’ behalf, noting his positive impact on the community. However, she emphasized that his repeated false statements about his immigration status to secure employment in public education represented a serious breach of trust.
The judge particularly noted that Roberts held an important position requiring public trust and that his deceptions were not isolated incidents but part of an ongoing pattern. She also expressed concern about his attempt to flee from law enforcement, stating it created a dangerous situation and showed disrespect for legal authority.
Prosecutors had sought a 37-month sentence, representing the upper range of federal sentencing guidelines for firearms possession by someone illegally present in the country and making false statements about immigration status for employment purposes.
Roberts’ defense attorney, Alfredo Parrish, had requested probation for his client, submitting a comprehensive 53-page brief detailing Roberts’ life story from his childhood in Guyana to his role leading the Des Moines school system. The defense emphasized Roberts’ contributions to education and his positive influence on students and educators.
Addressing the court, Roberts expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging that he had broken laws he had advised children and adults to follow. He referenced receiving supportive letters while in custody, including one from a second-grade student who wrote about being inspired by the former superintendent.
Roberts had been known as a visible and popular figure in the Des Moines education community. The first Black superintendent of the district, he was recognized for his regular school visits and engagement with students. His arrest in September 2025 sent shockwaves through the community, leaving school officials to address questions about their vetting processes.
The investigation revealed that Roberts had misrepresented his citizenship status throughout his employment in public education. Federal immigration authorities confirmed he had been living illegally in the United States for most of the past three decades.
Following the sentencing, Parrish indicated that Roberts might be eligible for credit for up to 10 months already served in county jail, potentially reducing his remaining prison time to 14 months or less if released early for deportation proceedings.
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