DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The former superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district, Ian Roberts, is expected to plead guilty in federal court to two charges, including falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen, which may lead to a lengthy prison sentence and increase the risk of deportation.
Roberts, who is originally from Guyana and was previously an Olympic runner, served as an inspirational leader in urban education throughout his two-decade career. Notably, he held the position of superintendent for the Des Moines public school district, which serves around 30,000 students.
The situation took a turn when just weeks into the new school year, Roberts was detained by federal immigration officers on September 26. The arrest shocked the community and raised national attention regarding his previous criminal charges and questions raised about his credentials.
Initially, Roberts pleaded not guilty to a count of making a false statement for employment and unlawfully possessing a firearm while being in the country illegally. However, he is now expected to plead guilty to both charges per a plea agreement signed the day before.
The plea agreement highlights that Roberts acknowledges the possibility of deportation following his prison sentence.
Roberts was apprehended following a federal immigration operation where he allegedly fled from law enforcement in his school-issued vehicle. After abandoning the vehicle, a loaded handgun was discovered under the seat, alongside $3,000 in cash.
A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against him in October. The first charge stems from submitting false information on the Employment Eligibility Verification form, leading to a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The second charge relates to possession of firearms, which could lead to an additional 15 years of imprisonment.
Roberts, who claims he was unaware of his undocumented status due to earlier legal advice, may also face additional consequences as an immigrant due to a final removal order from 2024.
As part of his plea agreement, the U.S. Attorney's Office has agreed to recommend leniency, but ultimately, the decision rests with the judge, with a trial initially scheduled for March now moot due to the expected plea.
