Title: Former Des Moines Superintendent Charged with Firearms Offense

(DES MOINES, Iowa) — Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, has been charged in federal court with possessing firearms while illegally residing in the United States. The charge follows his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents last week.

Roberts, 54, resigned from his position earlier this week, just days after being pulled over by ICE agents. He allegedly fled from officers before being apprehended with assistance from the Iowa State Patrol. During his arrest, authorities discovered a loaded handgun wrapped in a towel inside the vehicle he was driving.

According to court documents, Roberts was found to be in possession of four firearms. He had been held at the Woodbury County Jail in Sioux City, approximately 150 miles northwest of Des Moines, since his arrest on September 26. On October 2, he was taken into custody by the Department of Justice on a federal warrant related to the firearms charge. Roberts made his initial court appearance via video before a federal magistrate judge.

Roberts, originally from Guyana, had been living in the U.S. under a student visa granted in 1999. His work authorization expired in 2020, and he has not had legal employment authorization since then. In 2024, a judge issued a final order for his removal from the U.S. after he failed to appear for a hearing regarding his deportation.

His attorney, Alfredo Parrish, stated that Roberts intends to plead not guilty to the charges. "Our position at this time — he has a presumption of innocence," Parrish said. He added that there has not yet been an indictment returned by the grand jury.

During the investigation, authorities found a copy of Roberts' deportation order in another vehicle at his residence. The complaint alleges that Roberts believed his immigration case had been resolved successfully based on a letter from a previous attorney, Jackeline Gonzalez. However, the letter did not indicate that his case with the immigration court was completed.

The firearms found during the investigation included a pistol believed to have been purchased by Roberts' wife, as well as a rifle and a shotgun discovered during a search of his home. All firearms were reportedly loaded.

Des Moines Public Schools officials stated they were unaware of Roberts' immigration status when he was hired in May 2023. The school board is now considering potential legal action and plans to review the hiring process. School board chair Jackie Norris expressed concern over the situation, stating, "Des Moines Public Schools is facing a different reality than we were last Friday."

This story is still developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.