DES MOINES, Iowa — Ian Roberts, the now-former superintendent of Iowa's largest school district, was charged in federal court with possessing firearms while in the U.S. illegally, prosecutors reported Thursday.
Roberts, 54, resigned earlier this week after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during a traffic stop. During his arrest, agents discovered a handgun wrapped in a towel inside his vehicle.
Originally from Guyana, Roberts had been jailed since a federal arrest warrant was issued. Court documents indicate he had previously been authorized to work in the U.S. but lost that right in 2020.
His attorney, Alfredo Parrish, stated that Roberts will plead not guilty, emphasizing that his client retains a presumption of innocence. However, he noted that there have not yet been any indictments from the grand jury.
The charges against Roberts are serious, alleging he was in possession of four firearms at the time of his arrest, including a pistol, a rifle, and a shotgun found at his residence. Authorities revealed that one of the guns, identified as a pistol, was believed to have been purchased by his wife.
Roberts had been operating under the mistaken belief that his prior attorney had resolved his immigration status successfully; however, this case recently saw a motion to reopen denied in April 2023. The implications of a final removal order have worsened his situation amid these new charges.
Roberts and his legal team are now focused on contesting the allegations while navigating the complexities of his legal standing in the U.S.
