The former head of Des Moines Public Schools has begun serving a two-year federal prison sentence at a correctional facility in Illinois following his conviction on immigration and firearms-related charges.
Federal Bureau of Prisons records show Ian Roberts is currently housed at FCI Thomson. The former superintendent was sentenced in May after admitting to falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and illegally possessing firearms.
The case brought an abrupt end to Roberts’ tenure leading Iowa’s largest school district. Investigators alleged he lacked authorization to work in the United States throughout most of his education career and used fraudulent documents during the hiring process.
The investigation culminated in September when federal immigration agents stopped Roberts while he was driving a district-owned vehicle. Authorities reported recovering a loaded handgun and cash from the vehicle. Additional firearms were later seized during a search of his home.
Roberts resigned from his position shortly after his arrest. He had served as superintendent since 2023.
According to his attorney, Roberts is expected to be deported to his native Guyana after completing his prison sentence.
