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Former Des Moines Schools Chief Pleads Guilty to False Citizenship Claim and Firearms Charge

The agreement ends a planned March trial, with sentencing set for May under potential penalties of up to 20 years.

Overview

  • Ian Roberts admitted in U.S. District Court to falsely asserting U.S. citizenship on an I-9 form and to possessing firearms while unlawfully in the country.
  • ICE arrested him on Sept. 26, 2025 after he fled agents; officers found a loaded handgun and $3,000 in his district vehicle and later seized three more guns from his home.
  • The plea requires forfeiture of the weapons and keeps him in custody, and prosecutors will recommend credit for acceptance of responsibility without promising a sentence.
  • Prosecutors agreed not to bring additional related federal charges in the Southern District of Iowa, and the plea may restrict his ability to contest removal from the U.S.
  • Roberts lost work authorization in 2020, was under a 2024 final removal order, resigned after his arrest, and saw his administrator license revoked, according to officials.