Former leader of Iowa’s largest public school district sentenced to 24 months in jail

Federal prosecutors argued that Roberts knowingly built his career while lacking authorization to work in the country and submitted false documents during the hiring process.

By Nicholas Ballasy

Published: May 31, 2026 3:39pm

The former leader of Iowa’s largest public school district was sentenced Friday to two years in federal prison after admitting he falsely claimed U.S. citizenship and illegally possessed firearms, capping a stunning collapse for a once-prominent education administrator.

Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, pleaded guilty earlier this year to immigration and weapons charges that prosecutors said stemmed from years of deception about his legal status in the United States. Roberts, who was born in Guyana, is expected to face deportation after serving his sentence.

Federal prosecutors argued that Roberts knowingly built his career while lacking authorization to work in the country and submitted false documents during the hiring process. They advocated for a sentence of more than three years, describing serious misconduct.

Defense attorneys instead requested probation, arguing that Roberts would likely be deported once released from custody.

U.S. District Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger ultimately imposed a 24-month sentence, rejecting the request for probation.