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Former Des Moines Schools Superintendent Sentenced to Two Years in Prison
Ian Roberts received a two-year federal prison term after pleading guilty to unlawful firearm possession and falsely claiming U.S. citizenship on an employment form. Prosecutors said the sentence accounts for eight months already served.
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Ian Roberts, former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, was sentenced Friday to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two federal charges. The charges were unlawful possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and making a false statement on an employment verification form. The sentence includes credit for eight months already served.
Roberts served as superintendent of Iowa's largest school district from July 2023 until his arrest by immigration authorities in September 2025. A handgun was found in his vehicle at the time of arrest, and three additional firearms were later recovered from his residence.
Federal prosecutors stated Roberts had not held work authorization since December 2020 and therefore could not lawfully possess firearms. A federal grand jury indicted him on both charges following the arrest.
Prosecutors requested 37 months in prison, citing what they described as a pattern of conduct over more than 15 years. Defense attorneys asked for probation to allow removal proceedings to proceed more quickly. Roberts' attorney stated there are no plans to appeal the sentence. Prosecutors said Roberts will be deported after completing his prison term.
