Ian Roberts Gets 2-Year Federal Sentence for Citizenship Fraud and Gun Possession
Updated
Updated · KCCI Des Moines · May 29
Ian Roberts Gets 2-Year Federal Sentence for Citizenship Fraud and Gun Possession
11 articles · Updated · KCCI Des Moines · May 29
A federal judge sentenced former Des Moines schools superintendent Ian Roberts to 2 years in prison after his January guilty plea to falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and illegally possessing firearms.
Prosecutors said Roberts spent nearly 20 years working in urban education without authorization, used a counterfeit Social Security card when hired by the 30,000-student district, and should not receive leniency because deportation is likely.
Defense lawyers had sought probation to speed his removal to Guyana, arguing he built a life of public service in the U.S.; after Friday's hearing, attorney Alfredo Parrish said an appeal is not expected.
The case began with a targeted ICE stop on Sept. 26, when authorities said Roberts fled before officers found a loaded handgun and $3,000 in his school-issued vehicle; three more weapons were later recovered at his home.
His arrest bookended the school year in Iowa's largest district, which last month revised its conflict-of-interest policy after an audit found Roberts had steered district business to a consulting firm he worked for.
How did a man with a deportation order lead a major school district while armed?
A 15-year deception in America's schools is over. What does this reveal about vetting our educational leaders?
When a leader's entire career is a lie, how can public schools begin to rebuild shattered trust?