Des Moines School Board Scandal: Superintendent Hired Illegally, Had Criminal History
The Des Moines Public School Board has found itself in a scandal following the hiring of Ian Andre Roberts as superintendent. Roberts, a Guyanan national, was living in the U.S. illegally and had an extensive criminal history. Despite this, he was hired through a consulting firm in 2023 and worked without authorization for nearly five years.
Roberts' immigration history is complex. He had multiple visa and green card applications denied and entered the U.S. repeatedly as a visitor or student. In 2024, a federal judge ordered his removal in absentia after he failed to appear in court following a Notice to Appear issued by USCIS in 2020. Despite this, he continued to reside and work in the U.S. illegally.
Roberts' criminal history dates back to 1996 and includes charges and convictions for narcotics possession, unauthorized vehicle use, reckless driving, weapon possession, and unlawful firearm possession in multiple states. In 2025, nearly 18 months after his removal order, ICE arrested him in Des Moines. His arrest followed a high-speed chase where he fled using a school district vehicle, in possession of a loaded handgun, a fixed blade hunting knife, and $3,000 in cash. The school board has since demanded answers from Roberts and the Texas-based search firm, JG Consulting, alleging breach of contract and negligence for failing to properly vet Roberts before his hiring.
The Des Moines Public School Board is now facing scrutiny for hiring Ian Andre Roberts. His illegal status and criminal history have raised serious concerns about the vetting process used by the contracted search firm. Roberts' arrest has left the school district and the community seeking answers and justice.
Read also:
- Executive from significant German automobile corporation advocates for a truthful assessment of transition toward electric vehicles
- Crisis in a neighboring nation: immediate cheese withdrawal at Rewe & Co, resulting in two fatalities.
- United Kingdom Christians Voice Opposition to Assisted Dying Legislation
- Democrats are subtly dismantling the Affordable Care Act. Here's the breakdown
