Ian Roberts Seeks Probation Ahead of Sentencing on 2 Federal Charges
Updated
Updated · KCCI Des Moines · May 29
Ian Roberts Seeks Probation Ahead of Sentencing on 2 Federal Charges
10 articles · Updated · KCCI Des Moines · May 29
A federal judge is set to sentence former Des Moines superintendent Ian Roberts on Friday after his lawyers mounted a last-minute push for probation instead of prison.
A 176-page defense brief argues for leniency after Roberts pleaded guilty to making a false statement for employment and to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
Legal analyst Steve Foritano said the outcome is hard to predict because both probation and a 37-month sentence appear to fit within the guidelines.
Dozens of supporters, including state representative and pastor Rob Johnson, submitted letters portraying Roberts as a positive force for young people while acknowledging the court must decide his punishment.
When a beloved leader commits a federal crime, what does justice look like?
Did a school's background check failure lead to a superintendent's downfall?