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3d ago

Des Moines Schools Chief Remains in Custody as AP Details Consulting Ties and Vetting Fallout

Revelations about vetting failures are prompting proposals to expand mandatory E‑Verify for school hires.

Ian Roberts at a press conference
Ian Roberts, 36, was detained by ICE agents in Des Moines, Iowa, on Friday morning, accused of being in possession of a loaded handgun, cash, and a hunting knife, and trying to evade arrest, according to the agency. (Credit: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
Ian Roberts, 36, was detained by ICE agents in Des Moines, Iowa, on Friday morning, accused of being in possession of a loaded handgun, cash, and a hunting knife, and trying to evade arrest, according to the agency. (Credit: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
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Overview

  • Ian Andre Roberts remains in federal custody on immigration and firearms charges after his Sept. 26 arrest by federal agents, according to DHS and local jail records.
  • The Associated Press documented Roberts’ business relationship with Lively Paradox and founder Nicole Price, including a blocked $116,000 proposal in 2023 and a later $6,476 payment for a board retreat.
  • Des Moines Public Schools has sued the search firm that helped place Roberts, alleging negligent vetting, while a Pennsylvania district that previously employed him is considering legal action.
  • JG Consulting, the firm named in the lawsuit, defended its national placement record, citing dozens of superintendent searches and hundreds of executive hires.
  • Parallel probes are underway by federal agencies, including DOJ’s Civil Rights Division and ATF, as lawmakers push to broaden use of E‑Verify to strengthen hiring verification in schools.