Ex-Des Moines Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts To Plead Guilty In Federal Immigration And Firearms Case

Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, is expected to plead guilty Thursday to two federal charges following his arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Sept. 26, 2025. Roberts resigned from his position shortly after his detention.

According to a plea agreement filed Wednesday, Roberts will plead guilty to one count of making a false attestation on the Employment Eligibility Verification form (I-9) and one count of possessing a firearm while unlawfully present in the United States. Prosecutors have said the two counts carry a combined statutory maximum of 20 years in prison.

Details Of The Charges

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Roberts acknowledges that he knowingly attested on an I-9 completed when he was hired in 2023 that he was a U.S. citizen. That false attestation is punishable by up to five years in prison and fines. The separate firearms charge—related to possession of weapons while unlawfully present—carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years.

Evidence And Prior Immigration History

Authorities say agents discovered an illegal handgun in Roberts’ vehicle at the time of his arrest and, following a search of his home, recovered three additional firearms: two pistols, a rifle and a shotgun. DHS officials also reported finding a hunting knife and nearly $3,000 in cash.

The Des Moines Public Schools board voted 7–0 to accept Superintendent Ian Roberts’ resignation after ICE agents detained him and officials ruled he lacked both a valid license and authorization to work in the U.S.(Fox News)

Federal authorities and the Department of Homeland Security say Roberts has a prior criminal history that includes drug and weapons offenses. Records show he was issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge in October 2020 and that a final removal order was entered in 2024. The plea agreement notes Roberts understands he could face deportation after serving any sentence.

Employment And Licensing

Roberts completed the I-9 when he was hired by Des Moines Public Schools in 2023 and provided a Social Security card and a driver’s license as verification documents, the district said. He also listed himself as a U.S. citizen on an application to the State Board of Educational Examiners, which issued him a professional administrator license in 2023. District officials have said they were not aware of the immigration actions at the time of his employment.

Roberts’ lawyer, Alfredo Parrish, has said his client believed a prior attorney had successfully resolved his immigration case.

Officials note: The plea agreement includes forfeiture of the firearms recovered during the investigation.

Fox News Digital and The Associated Press contributed to reporting on the case.