Ian Andre Roberts, Firearm and False Statement Charges, Iowa 2025

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Former Des Moines Superintendent Pleads Guilty to Firearm and False Statement Charges

DES MOINES, Iowa – Former Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Andre Roberts, 55, has pleaded guilty to charges of Firearm and False Statement in the Southern District of Iowa. The shocking revelation has left the community reeling as Roberts’ deception unravels.

According to public court documents, Roberts falsely stated that he was a United States citizen on employment paperwork related to his position at the Des Moines Public Schools in June 2023. The documents reveal that Roberts was not and has never been a United States citizen, making this a brazen display of dishonesty.

On September 26, 2025, Roberts knowingly possessed a loaded Glock pistol in his vehicle while being aware that he was unlawfully present in the United States. Additionally, Roberts possessed three additional firearms at his residence, including a loaded pistol, a loaded rifle, and a shotgun.

The charges against Roberts carry severe penalties. He faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison on the firearms charge and up to 5 years in prison on the false statements charge. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman made the announcement, stating that the investigation into Roberts’ case was a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations.

Robbins’ plea agreement has left many questioning how such a high-ranking official could deceive the system for so long. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and transparency in positions of power.

Roberts is scheduled to be sentenced on May 29, 2026. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the Des Moines community and the education sector as a whole.