DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Iowa's largest school district, is anticipated to change his plea on Thursday in a federal court concerning serious charges of immigration fraud and illegal firearms possession. His arrest last month by federal immigration agents surprised many in the Des Moines community.
Roberts, originally from Guyana, had initially pleaded not guilty to two federal charges that carried a maximum penalty of 20 years. Following negotiations with federal prosecutors, he is now set to change his plea ahead of the January 2024 deadline.
In an incident on September 26, Roberts reportedly fled agents before he was apprehended in a wooded area. Law enforcement discovered a loaded handgun and $3,000 in cash in the district-issued vehicle he operated.
His charges stem from allegations he falsely represented himself as a U.S. citizen while submitting an Employment Eligibility Verification form necessary for his job within the school district, which serves approximately 30,000 students. Federal authorities have pointed out that Roberts' immigration status has been problematic for years. After entering the U.S. in 1994 and applying for a green card in 2003, he fell into legal difficulties regarding his immigration status.
For his role as superintendent, Roberts filed an I-9 form in 2023, alongside a Social Security number and driver's license. Federal officials indicated that he has not held valid work authorization since December 2020.
This high-profile case has ignited discussions on immigration and employment policies across educational institutions in the region, highlighting the complexities faced by individuals navigating U.S. immigration laws.
