DES MOINES, Iowa (FlashPoint) — Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Iowa's largest school district, is set to change his plea in federal court regarding charges related to false claims of U.S. citizenship and illegal possession of firearms. Initially pleading not guilty, the change comes as Roberts' legal team negotiated with federal prosecutors prior to a January 28 deadline.
Roberts was arrested on September 26 during a targeted operation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Federal authorities reported that he had fled from agents before being apprehended, and during the arrest, a loaded handgun and $3,000 in cash were discovered in his district-issued vehicle.
The educator, beloved in the Des Moines community, faces charges that together could lead to a 20-year prison sentence. Federal officials also indicate that he may face deportation due to a final removal order in 2024.
Further scrutiny revealed that Roberts had submitted false documentation regarding his citizenship status while applying for his administrator license, claiming to be a U.S. citizen. He had initially entered the U.S. in 1994 on a nonimmigrant visa and had faced several challenges regarding his immigration status since then.
While his trial was previously scheduled for early March, the upcoming plea change adds another chapter to a case that has significantly impacted the community where he served as a leader in education.
Roberts was arrested on September 26 during a targeted operation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Federal authorities reported that he had fled from agents before being apprehended, and during the arrest, a loaded handgun and $3,000 in cash were discovered in his district-issued vehicle.
The educator, beloved in the Des Moines community, faces charges that together could lead to a 20-year prison sentence. Federal officials also indicate that he may face deportation due to a final removal order in 2024.
Further scrutiny revealed that Roberts had submitted false documentation regarding his citizenship status while applying for his administrator license, claiming to be a U.S. citizen. He had initially entered the U.S. in 1994 on a nonimmigrant visa and had faced several challenges regarding his immigration status since then.
While his trial was previously scheduled for early March, the upcoming plea change adds another chapter to a case that has significantly impacted the community where he served as a leader in education.
